Theorists View and Studies

What They Think

Functionalism is a structural theory meaning it believes that the structure of society is responsible for shaping us as individuals.For example, the family teaches us how to behave, rather than our actions being governed by our own choices. So functionalists are interested in how the family functions for the greater good of society and how it contributes to the maintenance of social order.

Theorists

Murdock (1949): Argues that the family performs 4 essential functions to meet the needs of the society; Sexual, Reproduction, Economic, and Education.

Fletcher (1988) argues that the family performs 3 additional and unique functions: satisfying long-term sexual and emotional needs of parents, raising children in a stable environment, and the provision of a home to which all family members return after work.

Criticisms

Functionalist theory ignores the dark side of the family. The family can be seen as dysfunctional - there can be child abuse and domestic violence.Feminists would reject the view that the 'natural' role for women is the expressive role. They would argue that viewpoint to be patriarchal and imposed by on men.

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