functionalist

• sexual, reproductive, economic and educational


  murdocks four functions of the family
• murdock research support

  visited 250 cultures- modern and tribal
• critique of murdocks perspective on family


  -ignores other institutions that carry out 4 functions

  -ignores the dark side of the family
• Parsons 2 functions of the family


  primary socialisation

  stabilisation of adult personalities (warm bath)
• primary socialisation


  0-5 family teaches walking, reading, talking etc
• Parsons role of mother


  expressive role- main carer
• parsons role of father


  instrumental role-breadwinner
• Icritiques of parsons

  -assumes socialisation is a one way street

  -ethnocentric (white american middle class 1960s families)

  -ignores dark side of the family
• family is the corner stone of society 


  (heart of society)