Sociology

Using information from Items A, B and C and elsewhere, assess the view that the nuclear family functions to benefit all its members and society as a whole (24 marks).

From Item A the nuclear family is the "ideal family type". Functionalist Murdock stated that the nuclear family consists of a heterosexual couple that have one child or more. Functionalists also argue that society is based on consensus. Consensus is achieved in society through the process of socialisation, which involved individuals learning norms and values. Norms and values are transmitted to children through social institutions such as the nuclear family. This benefits all members of society as it prevents anomie and because it encourages social integration and social solidarity. Murdock argues that the family benefits all members as it performs four essential functions (sexual, economic, reproduction and socialisation).Additionally, Parsons argues that the family has two irreducible functions (primary socialisation and stabalising adult personalities). Another functionalist, Fletcher, argues that the family performs three essential functions (regulation of sexual behaviour, reproduction and child-rearing and hime provisions). However, Marxists Marx and Engels argue that individuals don't benefit from society, only the bourgeoisie benefits. Feminsits such as liberal and radical feminsts criticise the functionsalist view of the nuclear family and argue that women are ignored.

Functionalists stress the positive role of the nuclear family in providing for the basic needs of its members and how important it is for the efficient working of society and the maintenance of social order. It is also a very optimistic view of the family which sees the interaction of the family with society's institutions as harmonious and based on consensus and that these inter-relationships contribute to social solidarity. Functionalists look at society on a macro level and look at what the nuclear family does for...