Using information from item A and else where, assess the view that ‘the nuclear family functions to benefit all its members and society as a whole.’ (24 marks)

According to Item A the nuclear family is the “ideal family type.” According to Murdock the nuclear family consists of a heterosexual couple that have at least one child. Murdock is a functionalist. Functionalists argue society is based on consensus (agreed norms and values). Consensus is achieved in society through the process of socialisation, which involves individuals learning norms and values. Norms and values are transmitted to children through social institutions such as the nuclear family. This benefits all members of society as it prevents anomie (chaos) and because it encourages social integration and social solidarity. Murdock argues that the family benefits all members of society as it performs four essential functions (sexual, economic, reproduction and socialization). Similarly Parsons argues that the family has two irreducible functions (primary socialization and stabalising adult personalities). Another functionalist, Fletcher, argues that the family performs three essential functions (regulation of sexual behavior; reproduction and child-rearing and home provisions). However, Marxists (such as Marx and Engels) argue that individuals don’t benefit from society, only the bourgeoisie benefits. Feminists (such as Liberal and radical feminists) criticize the functionalist view of the nuclear family and argue that women are ignored.

Murdock claimed that the nuclear family had four functions that benefit society as a whole. First the sexual function which promotes monogamous relationships, which prevents anomie; secondly the economic function, as a unit of consumption the family buys goods that our benefits the people producing the goods and therefore society as a whole; thirdly the