G.P.

Murdock, Functionalism and the

Family
The anthropologist G.P. Murdock conducted a study
entitled Social Structure in 1949 .
In this study of 250 societies of various types Murdock
provided a definition of the family and a theory
suggesting that the nuclear family was a universal social
unit.
Both G.P. Murdocks definition of the family and his
theory suggesting the universality of the nuclear family
have subsequently been the subjects of considerable
debate and controversy within Sociology.
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G.P. Murdock, Functionalism and the

Family
G.P. Murdocks 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 socially cohabiting adults.
Murdock distinguished also between nuclear families[ parents and their
children , own or adopted] and extended families [parents, children and
other relatives].
Murdock argued also that the nuclear family is a universal social
grouping. Either as the sole prevailing form of the family or as the basic
unit from which more complex forms are compounded, it exists as a
unique and strongly functional group in every known society.
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G.P. Murdock, Functionalism and the

Family
Functionalist sociologists explain the existence of social institutions by
the fact that they fulfil functions essential for the continued
harmonious existence of society.
Thus factories and banks exist because the fulfil economic and financial
functions; schools fulfil educational functions; hospitals safeguard our
health; and so on.
In Functionalist terminology all of these institutions are said to be
functional for societies: that is: they contribute to the continuing social
stability and harmony of societies

G.P. Murdock, Functionalism and the

Family
According to G. P. Murdock the family in general and the nuclear family
are also functional for society in that they fulfil the following
essential functions.
The Sexual Function
The Reproductive Function
The Educational Function
The Economic Function

G.P. Murdock, Functionalism and the

Family
According to G. P. Murdock these functions can be fulfilled especially
well within the nuclear family.
The existence of the nuclear family provides for stable, more or less
permanent heterosexual relationships between individual couples. If
individuals were involved in many fairly temporary sexual relationships
such relationships might be relatively emotionally shallow.
The nuclear family provides a stable environment increasing the
likelihood that there will be strong emotional bonds between parents
and their children which means that the socialisation of the children is
more likely to be effective.
Economic roles within the nuclear family can be allocated effectively
having regard to the differing psychological and physical
characteristics of males and females respectively.
Murdock was a supporter of the traditional gender division of labour
within nuclear families
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G.P. Murdock, Functionalism and the

Family
The universal existence of nuclear families is also seen by Murdock to
be in accordance with what he believes to be the universal
characteristics of human nature.
Murdock believed that individuals naturally desire more less permanent
heterosexual relationships within which they can produce their own
natural children.
Adults gain fulfilment both from these heterosexual relationships and
as a result of the strong emotional bonds with their children which are
sustained most easily in the nuclear family.
These strong emotional bonds are conducive to the efficient
socialisation of the children.
Adult roles within the nuclear family can be allocated in accordance
with natural gender differences in physical and psychological
characteristics.

G.P. Murdock, Functionalism and the

Family
In G.P. Murdocks definition of the family the family is based around
socially approved heterosexual relationships. These relationships may
be based upon monogamy, polygyny or polyandry.
Socially approved heterosexual relationships could refer to a
relationship based upon marriage or on cohabitation if it is socially
approved in a given society at a particular time.
Lone parents and their children would not be seen as families because
they do not contain two or more adults in an approved sexual
relationship.
Childless heterosexual couples , married or cohabiting, would not be
seen as families.
Gay and lesbian couples, cohabiting or civil partnered, with or without
children would not be seen as families.
Friendship groups sharing a household would not be described as
families .
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G.P. Murdock, Functionalism and the

Family
Some Criticisms of G.P. Murdocks Theory
It is argued that several of the social groupings which would not be
defined as families under G.P. Murdocks definition might nevertheless
be reasonably described as families.
It is argued that the nuclear family is not a universal social group and
that the essential functions of the family can be performed effectively
in other family forms.
In particular it is argued that children can be reared and socialised
effectively in lone parent families and many would argue that single
sex couples also can rear and socialise children effectively although
others would dispute this.
You should also use your textbooks to familiarise yourselves with
family forms in other cultures. This diversity of family forms calls into
question G.P. Murdocks assumption that the nuclear family reflects
most closely the requirements of human nature. Perhaps cultural
diversity suggests that in several respects no single fixed version of
human nature exists in all societies.
Functions performed by families might also be performed in different
ways in Communes and Kibbutzim. Use your textbooks to research
these.

G.P. Murdock, Functionalism and the

Family
The American Functionalist sociologist Talcott Parsons has
developed theories which are similar in several respects to those of
G.P. Murdock and these theories will be considered in subsequent
documents.
In this respect you should find especially useful the slide show
presented by Liam Greenslade of Mid Kent College