4 functions of the family sociology

Functionalists argue that all institutions in society have important roles to play in the smooth and functional running of society, and the family is no different.

They argue that the family has important functions both for society and for individuals.

George Murdock on Families

The classic functionalist statement on the roles of the family comes from George Murdock (1949) who looked at families across the world and found four functions that were common to all of them:

1. Educational: children are taught the norms and values of society (also known as primary socialisation)
2. Economic: the family provides an economic function to all its members by pooling resources and ensuring all have what they need.
3. Reproductive: produces the next generation of the society.
4. Sexual: ensures that adults’ sexual relationships are controlled and stable.

Talcott Parsons on Families

Talcott Parsons (1951) updated Murdock’s theory.

He argued that in