1. Functionalist Approaches to the Family
Functionalist theories of society are based on the assumption that society operates
on the basis of ____________ (agreement) and that there is a tendency towards
_______________ (balance) between the various parts of society so that they work
together harmoniously. Functionalists tend to assume that if a social
_____________exists then it must have a function or purpose. The family is
therefore often examined in terms of the functions it performs for the
______________ of society and the individual. Murdock’s analysis of the universal
functions of the family is a good example of this approach, with its emphasis on the
essential functions of the family.
Functionalists often see society as similar to a machine or an ___________, with
many different parts contributing to the smooth running of the _____________.
Functionalist theories therefore stress the __________ between the
______________ and other social institutions. For example, the family prepares
_____________ to become adult workers and take on ___________ in the economy
to support themselves and their. In this way the family system and the
______________system are linked.
economic organism family roles
benefit children interrelationship institution
consensus equilibrium dependents whole

2. Functionalist Approaches to the Family: Answer Sheet
Missing words are in bold.
Functionalist theories of society are based on the assumption that society operates
on the basis of consensus (agreement) and that there is a tendency towards
equilibrium (balance) between the various parts of society so that they work
together harmoniously. Functionalists tend to assume that if a social institution
exists then it must have a function or purpose. The family is therefore often
examined in terms of the functions it performs for the benefit of society and the
individual. Murdock’s analysis of the universal functions of the family is a good
example of this approach, with its emphasis on the essential functions of the family.
Functionalists often see society as similar to a machine or an organism, with many
different parts contributing to the smooth running of the whole. Functionalist
theories therefore stress the interrelationship between the family and other social
institutions. For example, the family prepares children to become adult workers and
take on roles in the economy to support themselves and their dependents. In this
way the family system and the economic system are linked.