functionalism family

functionalism use an organic analogy; comparing society to a human body. They believe that society is divided into institutions (family, education, beliefs, media etc.) which are all connected like the parts of a human body. They also have a role to play in society to enable it to run smoothly and function harmoniously, this being to socialise us the correct norms and values creating a value consensus. As a result, this promotes stability creating social order and therefore, prevents social change. This also reinforces social solidarity where everyone feels connected.

murdock believes that the nucelar family must consist of specific characteristics:

• parents of the opposite sex
• shared money
• children which are biological to parents
• women as housewifes
• men as breadwinners

he also believes the nuclear family is universal

primary socialisation

- children must be socialised into the same norms and values to create social solidarity where everyone feels connected

economic

- fathers must be a breadwinner in order to pay for bills and prevent the use of the economy/ welfare state

reproduction

- must have more children to keep society continuing

sexual

- must be in a monogamous relationship to prevent cheating and children born outside of marriage. This prevents single parent families

nuclear family is ideal with only two 'basic irreducible' functions needed not four:

primary socialisation

- to socialise children into the same norms and values and create social solidarity

stabilisation of adult personalities

- the family must act as a relaxation for the father when he comes home from work. The mother is seen as a 'warm bath' there to relax and comfort him and children are there so he can act out his childish whims. This prevents him doing so at work

• nuclear family is not universal as we now have family diversity and polygamy is acceptable in some countries
• housewife no longer a thing as women are now able to work
• the family is seen through 'rose tinted spectacles' as they ignore the negatives such as child abuse and domestic violence
• other institutions in society can perform these functions. For example, school performs secondary socialisation