Functionalist view on families

• Functionalist view of the family


  • Society is a system based on value consensus
  • Families socialise children and teach them the values needed for social order and harmony
• Functionalist functions of the family


  • Sexual - provides a socially accepted outlet for sexual desires
  • Reproductive - ensures the continuation of society through having children
  • Socialisation/education - teaches norms and values
  • Economic - provides food, shelter and other materials
• Murdock's 4 functions of the family


  • Sexual, Reproductive, Socialisation/education, Economic
• The nuclear family (1950s) was the most accepted and popular family type
• Pre 1900s


  Extended family was needed for education, childcare etc.
• Post 1900s


  Structural differentiation led to the nuclear family becoming more common as it allowed for geographical and social mobility
• The nuclear family socialises children to be docile and submissive, not questioning the hierarchy in their home
• the former belief was that there is harmony in society because of shared values (value consensus)
• Social solidarity

  Durkheim: feeling of being part of a larger social group, sense of belonging.
• Social consensus

  Durkheim: shared norms and values. Happens through societal institutions, ie. laws and rules can be seen in politics and education.
• organic analogy

  parsons: society is like a human body, all parts of the body need to work to maintain stability - social solidarity.
• warm bath theory

  parsons: when a man comes home from a busy day of work, his family provides him with stress relief and relaxation, just like a warm bath. Ensuring emotional needs of a breadwinner are met.