Assess the Contribution of Functionalist Sociologists to Our Understanding of the Family

1657 Words7 Pages
‘Assess the contribution of functionalist sociologists to out understanding of the family.’ The functionalist theory is useful for the traditional families, however now in the modern society it doesn’t quite fit anymore, because of changes that have been made over time. The functionalist view of society makes the assumption that every society has a range of basic needs. Functionalists would say that if these needs are being met then the society is functioning and it is more likely to survive over a long period of time. The functionalists theories are made up of two views, Murdock's view and Parsons view. Murdock believes that a family should be composed of two adults of the opposite sex, and which are in a sexual relationship that is approved by the wider society. They should have at leaf one child (may be adopted) and live together by sharing resources in order to be a ‘family’. Murdock has four key points that he believes a family should have. He believes that there should be no sex before marriage,and that the couple should stabilise a unit before having/adopting children. He believes in reproduction, therefore having children at the right time, as without reproduction the society would cease to exist. He also has an economic point,where the family is seen as a unit,therefore they should all provide for each other. The final point is on education, he believes that the family is responsible for primary socialisation, as without socialisations there is no culture. Parsons on the other hand has two key points, the stabilisation of adult personalities- emotional support,fun element, distress etc, and the other key point is the same as Murdock’s, which is primary socialisation (education). The difference between primary socialisation and secondary socialisation is your surroundings. Primary socialisation you are taught things by your parents/siblings, learning

More about Assess the Contribution of Functionalist Sociologists to Our Understanding of the Family

Open Document