The Functionalist Family Perspective
Functionalists see families as absolutely essential for society to work properly. George Murdock studied 250 societies and claimed nuclear families serve four key functions: sexual (creating stable relationships), economic (providing for basic needs), educational (primary socialisation), and reproductive (continuing the population).
Talcott Parsons focused on two main functions. First, primary socialisation - families teach children society's norms and values. Second, stabilisation of adult personality (his famous warm bath theory) - families provide emotional support where adults can relax and recharge after stressful days at work.
Parsons argued that men naturally take instrumental roles breadwinning,decision−making while women take expressive roles (childcare, emotional support, housework). He believed these gender roles were based on biological differences and were essential for family functioning.
Critical Point: This view has been heavily criticised for being outdated, sexist, and ignoring family diversity - it doesn't match how most families actually work today.