Talcott Parsons

• Parsons updated Murdock's theory


  1951
• Functions of families in Western societies (according to Parsons)


  • Primary socialisation
  • Stabilisation of adult personalities
• Primary socialisation


  Families teach children social norms and values associated with their family and/or community
• Secondary socialisation


  Other institutions, such as schools, the media, religion, etc. teach children the universal norms and values of wider society
• Parsons' warm bath theory


  When a man comes home from a hard day at work, he can relax into his family life like a warm bath, taking away the stress and refreshing him for the next day's work
• Families help to prevent adults from behaving in disruptive or dysfunctional ways, instead encouraging them to conform to social norms, especially at times of stress
• The family provides emotional support to its members