2) Functionalist Perspectives

Functionalists see the Family as a functional prerequisite of society.

Murdoch said the family has 4 key functions:

• sexual – expressing sexuality in a way which is socially acceptable
• Reproduction – needed to provide a suitable way to raise children
• Socialization -  “primary socialization” helps teach children socially acceptable behaviour and values of the society (value consensus)
• Economic - provides food and shelter for family members

Parsons argues that there are 2 main functions of the family, Primary socialization of children and stabilization of human personalities.

• Primary socialization of children – Parsons said society would not function if the family did not socialize future generation into the value consensus, culture, language, history and morals of today society.
• stabilization of human personalities – The pressures of modern society can “destabilize personalities”. Parsons said…