Family - Functionalism

Functionalisy view of the family is that the family is one of the corner stones of society. It performs essential finctions which support social stability and social cohesion.

Murdock - Funtions of the family

Sexual - ensures that adult sexual relationships are controlled and socially acceptable. This meant stable monogamous heterosexual relationships

Reproduction - the biological reproduction of the next generatio, without which society cannot continue

Socialisation - socialisation of the young, teaching basic norms and values so that the next generation are fully integrated into society and maintain the social

Economic - meeting its members economic needs, producing food and shelter for example

Evaluation:

Best fit theory - nuclear family is not universal, the structure of the family changes as the needs of society changes. 

Structural differentiation - some functions…