Functionalism

• Functionalism 4 Functions of the Family

  Murdock

  sexual, reproductive, economic and educational
• Functionalism Extension of Functions

  Fletcher

  the functions of family has been extended - families have to look after the elderly etc
• Functionalism Instrumental and Expressive roles

  Parsons

  men perform instrumental role - breadwinner and head of the house

  women perform expressive role - domestic and emotional role
• Functionalism Monogamy

  Goode

  there has been a worldwide trend towards the monogamous nuclear family
• Functionalism Fit thesis

  Parsons

  extended family moved towards the nuclear family as it allows for social mobility and a geographically mobile workforce
• Functionalism 2 Irreducible functions

  Parsons

  the nuclear family has 2 functions - Primary socialisation and Stabilisation of the adult personality
• Criticism of Functionalism

  Vogel and Bell

  highlights the dysfunctional aspects of the family. A child can be an emotional scapegoat for the tension of unresolved conflict