modernism and the nuclear family

• What are Murdock's 4 functions of the family?

  Economic, socialisation, sexual and reproductive
• What is Parson's functional fit?

  As society changes, family structures change to 'fit' the new society. For instance, the change from the extended family to the nuclear family followed the industrial revolution, as this allowed nuclear families geographical mobility and social mobility.
• What would Parsons say are irreducible functions of the family?

  Stabilization of the adult personality and Primary socialisation.
• Many conservative MPs such as Patrick Jenkin argue for segregated conjugal roles as they are 'biological facts', hinting at biological determinism.

  Feminists, however, argue that these roles are socially constructed.
• Many conservative MPs think that single parent families cannot replicate the 4 functions stated by Murdock.
• Charles Murray blames an increase in young people doing crime and drug use to an increase in lone parent families. This pins crime as a result of family breakdown leading to inadequate gender socialisation.
• Margaret Thatcher attacked over-reliance on the welfare state often.