Functions Of The Family 4 
Functions of the family
Key terms
Expressive role- Parsons term for the female function of a mother/housewife, looking after children, emotional work and caring
Instrumental role- Parsons term for the male breadwinner, working and earning money for the family
Industrialisation- when society moved from agricultural production to industrial manufacturing
Nuclear family-a family that consists of a mother, father and their dependent children
Extended family- a nuclear family with the addition of other relatives e.g. grandparents, aunt/uncle who live together
Capitalism- An economic and political system in which a country's trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit.
Functionalist views on the family- structural consensus view
Main Points
• View society as having many parts, which must work together efficiently in order to maintain social harmony and coherence
• See the nuclear family in positive terms, performing vital functions/roles for individuals and society as a whole.
• Favour the nuclear family and oppose single parent and same sex families
• The nuclear family is at the heart of society and essential for its smooth running
Key sociologists
Murdock
Murdock’s definition of the family… “a social group characterised by common residence, economic, cooperation and reproduction. It includes adults of both sexes, at least two of whom maintain a socially approved sexual relationship, and one or more children, own or adopted of the sexually cohabitating adults”
“The family performs 4 essential functions to meet the needs of society”
1. Sexual- having a happy and stable sex life with the same partner, which prevents social disruption caused by having sex with anyone
2. Reproduction- having babies to produce the next generation, without this society cannot continue
3. Economic-the family functions as a productive and consumption unit (buying things) to ensure the survival of the family
4. Educational- Passing knowledge and
Key terms
Expressive role- Parsons term for the female function of a mother/housewife, looking after children, emotional work and caring
Instrumental role- Parsons term for the male breadwinner, working and earning money for the family
Industrialisation- when society moved from agricultural production to industrial manufacturing
Nuclear family-a family that consists of a mother, father and their dependent children
Extended family- a nuclear family with the addition of other relatives e.g. grandparents, aunt/uncle who live together
Capitalism- An economic and political system in which a country's trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit.
Functionalist views on the family- structural consensus view
Main Points
• View society as having many parts, which must work together efficiently in order to maintain social harmony and coherence
• See the nuclear family in positive terms, performing vital functions/roles for individuals and society as a whole.
• Favour the nuclear family and oppose single parent and same sex families
• The nuclear family is at the heart of society and essential for its smooth running
Key sociologists
Murdock
Murdock’s definition of the family… “a social group characterised by common residence, economic, cooperation and reproduction. It includes adults of both sexes, at least two of whom maintain a socially approved sexual relationship, and one or more children, own or adopted of the sexually cohabitating adults”
“The family performs 4 essential functions to meet the needs of society”
1. Sexual- having a happy and stable sex life with the same partner, which prevents social disruption caused by having sex with anyone
2. Reproduction- having babies to produce the next generation, without this society cannot continue
3. Economic-the family functions as a productive and consumption unit (buying things) to ensure the survival of the family
4. Educational- Passing knowledge and