Practice Qs

• Who outlined the functions of the family in a functionalist view?

  Murdock
• What analogy does Murdock use to describe the family in society?

  The organic analogy
• How does functionalism view the family in relation to society?

  It sees the family as fundamental to the structure of society
• What is one function of the family according to Murdock?

  Educational
• What does Murdock believe the family teaches children?

  The norms and values of society
• What is primary socialization according to Murdock?

  It is the process through which the family teaches children societal norms and values
• What criticism do other sociologists have regarding Murdock's view on the family?

  They argue that the functions of the family can be performed by other institutions
• Who claimed that the nuclear family has become more specialized?

  Talcott Parsons
• What function of the family does Murdock describe as economic?

  The pooling of resources to meet the needs of family members
• What does Murdock believe the nuclear family provides for society?

  The necessities of life
• How does Murdock describe the division of labor within the family?

  According to sex, with women in expressive roles and men in instrumental roles
• What role do women typically take on in Murdock's view of the family?

  Expressive role
• What role do men typically take on in Murdock's view of the family?

  Instrumental role
• What do Feminists and Marxists think of Murdock's view of the family?

  They reject it as it ignores the darker side of the family
• What do Feminists like Delphy and Leonard argue about women's roles in the family?

  Women perform a dual burden of domestic and emotional work
• How do Feminists view the family structure according to Murdock's theory?

  As serving the needs of men and oppressing women
• What is the definition of the family as a social institution?

  A social structure that serves various functions within society
• What is the main criticism of Murdock's view on the functions of the family?

  It overlooks the potential for other institutions to fulfill these functions
• How does Parsons' view of the nuclear family differ from Murdock's?

  Parsons believes the nuclear family has become more specialized and has shed some functions
• What do Feminists argue about the family structure?

  It serves the needs of men and oppresses women