Outline and Discuss the View That the Nuclear Family Is Universal

George Murdock, a functionalist sociologist, studied two hundred and fifty societies to limit if the nuclear family is universal or not in 1949. done his study, he identified four functions of the family. Murdock stated that The family is a kind group characterised by common residence, economic co-operation and reproduction. It includes adults of both sexes, at least two of whom maintain a socially clear sexual relationship and one or more children (own or adopted, of the sexually cohabiting adults). His main argument was that the nuclear, or cereal sheaf family is the most efficient family type for performing vital functions such(prenominal) as primary socialisation and emotional and economical support. Murdocks view th down the stairs mug be supported by several(prenominal) other points. Firstly, the other family types be statistically insignificant they are in the minority, and so cannot be counted as part of his view. The Ik for example are only based in Northern Uganda, and so this family structure is not representative of all the families universally. Alternative family lifestyles can also be seen as the nuclear family gone reproach. An example of this is the reconstituted family nuclear families have broken down into this peeled family structure that now involves re-marriage and step-parents/children.



The extended family consists of (generally) three generations existing under one roof. It is simply an extension of the typical nuclear family, and so even this family type is still classified as a nuclear family. The nuclear family is also seen as the ideal. Children living with both of their parents provides them with emotional and possible economic support, and does not display case upset (such as if the parents want to get a divorce).

However, condescension the support for Murdocks view, there are limitations. There is cross-cultural and contemporary evidence that disproves his view. In 1959, Kathleen Gough studied the Nayar society. This society was predominant in India in the 1800s, and...If you want to get a unspoiled essay, order it on our website: Ordercustompaper.com



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