Sociology
Assess the contribution of functionalism of our understanding of family and households
Functionalists believe that the family is a vital function and component in our society that benefits individuals. In addition functionalists would argue that with family as an institution it gives us social roles which in turn give the whole society social order. For e.g. in a nuclear family a man would have the instrumental role and the women would have the expressive role, with these roles the family would work together and be happy and this would benefit the society overall.
The two main theorists in functionalism are George Murdock and Talcott Parsons. Murdock believed that the family had four main functions. Firstly he argues that the family provides for the stable satisfaction of the sex drive and this helps relieve stress and minimises conflict. What we have to remember is that Murdock lived in a pre industrial society where rape in marriage was legal. In this modern society if a man wanted sex with his partner and she refused he couldn’t force himself upon her without breaking the law so this could cause tension and arguments.
Secondly he believed that the family produced the next generation (children) and this cannot be disputed most of the time as the family is a stable place for most children to grow up and learn the norms and values of their parents. Thirdly Murdock continues his argument by stating that the family is an economic stability for the individuals as it provides food and shelter together. This claim could be rejected as it doesn’t take into account were neglect is taking place and the individuals suffer.
Finally he states that the family helps socialisation as parents teach their children norms and values so that they fit into society and stay out of trouble. Overall Murdock’s theory is a bit dated and doesn’t take into a lot of different