Functionalist view of the family

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Using material from item B and elsewhere, asses how the functionalists contribution to our understanding of the family

Functionalists see the family as an essential sub-system which depends on other sub-systems. The family is a building block in society it holds it together. Functionalists believe families have to exists in every society because they meet the essential needs of society and individuals. Functionalists suggest that the nuclear family is the norm in modern society, where the roles are basically; a breadwinner husband and dependant wife and children. Within the nuclear family structure there is a clearly identifiable male and female role model.

The function of the family (Murdock)- 1949

* Reproduction of the next generation

* Stable satisfaction of the sex drive

* Socialisation of the young into the shared norms and values of society

* Taking care of family members e.g., economic needs, emotional needs.

Functionalists believe that reproduction is a key function to the family. An increase in birth rates can benefit the society and economy, it can help society develop and increase the rate of man-made labour. Marriage another key function is a way of