Functionalist views

• What is the best fit theory according to Parsons?


  The structure of the family changes as society changes to meet its needs
• Stabilization of adult personalities - Parsons


  Refers to the emotional security which is achieved with a relationship between 2 adults (warm bath theory)
• What does the term 'socialization' refer to in the context of functions of the family (Parsons) ?


  Teaching norms and values to children (primary socialisation)
• How does the family contribute to economic stability (Murdock) ?


  Meeting its members economic needs by producing food and shelter
• Structural Differentiation - Parsons


  Some functions of the family defined by Murdock have moved to other institutions
• Murdock sexual function -


  Ensures that sexual relationships are controlled and socially acceptable
• Murdock reproduction function -


  The biological reproduction of the next gen
• Murdock socilisation function-


  Primary socialisation of children
• Evaluation of functionalist views of the family- 


  Downplays the role of conflict as the family isn't always a safe place and its deterministic as it assumes that the members of society automatically take on the norms and values