3. Socialization

Families are the primary agents of socialization, teaching children the norms, values, and culture of their society. Through socialization, children learn how to behave in socially acceptable ways and develop their identity as members of their culture. For example, parents often teach children respect for authority, politeness, and responsibility, preparing them to contribute positively to their community.

4. Economic Support

The family provides for its members' basic needs, such as food, shelter, and clothing. Murdock saw the family as a unit of economic cooperation, with members contributing to the well-being of the group. For example, in traditional societies, families might work together in farming or trading, while in modern societies, one or both parents may work to financially support the household.

3. Exclusion of Non-Nuclear Families

Feminists, such as Ann Oakley (1974), argue that Murdock idealizes the nuclear family, ignoring the inequalities within it, particularly the oppression of women. In traditional nuclear families, women often take on the unpaid burden of domestic work and childcare, limiting their opportunities outside the home. Additionally, the rise of lone-parent families, which are increasingly common due to changes in societal attitudes and economic realities, challenges Murdock’s view that the nuclear family is the most functional. For example, many lone-parent families effectively raise children and meet economic needs without the presence of a second parent.

4. Cultural Differences

Anthropologists, such as Kathleen Gough (1959), provide evidence of family structures that differ from Murdock’s nuclear family model. For example, in the Nayar society of southern India (historically), women had multiple partners, and child-rearing responsibilities were often shared among extended family members rather than solely by biological parents. This demonstrates that not all societies rely on the nuclear family to fulfill key functions.

5. Modern Institutions Replacing Family Functions

In contemporary societies, many of the functions traditionally performed by families are now carried out by external institutions. For example:

• Schools provide much of the education and socialization that families once did.
• The welfare state and healthcare systems (e.g., the NHS in the UK) provide economic and physical support that families might have historically been responsible for. This raises the question of whether the nuclear family is still as necessary or functional in modern times as Murdock claimed.

Biologically Determined Roles 

Talcott Parsons developed Murdock’s ideas by introducing the concept of biologically determined roles for family members, which he argued were functional for maintaining societal stability. Parsons believed that these roles were rooted in natural differences between men and women and were designed to meet the needs of both individuals and society effectively. Parsons emphasized that the specialization of roles within the family was functional and necessary to meet the demands of modern, industrialized societies. He believed that this clear division of labour allowed family members to focus on their specific roles, avoiding conflict and maximizing efficiency. By having men focus on instrumental tasks (work and economic provision) and women on expressive tasks (caregiving and emotional support), the family could function as a cohesive unit that contributed to the stability and order of society as a whole.

Instrumental Roles (Assigned to Men)

Men were typically assigned instrumental roles, which involved providing financial support and acting as the primary breadwinners for the family. According to Parsons, this role aligned with Murdock’s emphasis on the family’s economic support function. By focusing on work outside the home, men ensured that the family had the necessary resources to survive and thrive, contributing to the broader stability of society. This division of labor allowed the family to function efficiently, as men were expected to use their strengths—such as physical endurance and competitiveness—to succeed in the workplace.

Expressive Roles (Assigned to Women)

Women, on the other hand, were assigned expressive roles, which involved providing emotional care, nurturing children, and managing the household. Parsons argued that women were naturally better suited to these roles due to their empathy and nurturing instincts. This role builds on Murdock’s focus on socialization, as women play a central role in teaching children the norms and values of their society. Through this process, mothers help integrate children into the wider culture, ensuring that societal expectations are passed on to the next generation.

For example, in industrial societies, women often acted as the primary caregivers, providing children with emotional stability and a sense of belonging while also managing the home to create a harmonious environment for the family.

4. Assumes Fixed Roles

Parsons assumed that family roles were fixed and that individuals passively accepted them as biologically or socially predetermined. He suggested that men and women naturally fulfilled specific roles—instrumental and expressive, respectively—without questioning or challenging these expectations. However, postmodernist sociologists like Judith Stacey (1998) argue that in contemporary society, family roles have become far more flexible and negotiated. Stacey highlights how individuals now have greater freedom to define their own roles within families, with responsibilities being shaped by personal preferences, relationships, and circumstances rather than rigid traditional norms. This shift reflects the increasing diversity and adaptability of modern family life, which Parsons' theory does not adequately address.

5. Ignores Economic Influence

Marxist sociologists, such as Eli Zaretsky (1976), criticize Parsons for overlooking the ways in which families support capitalism. Zaretsky argues that families play a crucial role in maintaining the capitalist system by socializing children to accept class inequalities as natural and inevitable, preparing them to conform to hierarchical workplace structures. Families also function as units of economic consumption, encouraging consumerism by instilling desires for goods and services that benefit the economy rather than the family itself. For example, families are targeted by advertisers to purchase products ranging from toys and household appliances to luxury items, reinforcing the cycle of consumption that sustains capitalism. Zaretsky highlights that the family’s contribution to capitalism often comes at the expense of its members, who may experience financial strain and emotional stress as they try to meet these expectations.