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Assess the usefulness of the functionalist perspectives for an understanding of the family in contemporary society.
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Laura Mead Assess the usefulness of the functionalist perspectives for an understanding of the family in contemporary society The family is considered as the main source of socialisation. This means any change in how the family works will therefore consequence society. In contemporary society it is not only necessary to look at the change in the structure of the family but also its changing role. George Peter Murdock (1949) is responsible for the ideal of the nuclear family, he once said 'It includes both 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 sexual cohabiting adults'. He believes that the family is a universal institution with universal functions, these four functions are considered vital in the welfare of society. They are Educational, Sexual, Economic and Reproduction. Murdock believes that the family is mainly responsible for all four...
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