Which statement represents a common criticism of Murdock's functionalist view of the family?

Which statement represents a common criticism of Murdock's functionalist view of the family?

• A. It presents the family as harmonious and ignores conflict
• B. It overemphasizes conflict and crisis within families
• C. It downplays conflict and ignores exploitation of women
• D. It explains all social changes perfectly

Answer: (C)

Murdock’s functionalist view argues that the family is a universal institution that performs essential functions for society and for individuals, contributing to social stability and cohesion. A common criticism of this perspective is that it downplays conflict and ignores the exploitation of women. By presenting the family as harmonious and universally beneficial, it glosses over power dynamics and gender inequalities inside the home—the unequal division of labor, unpaid domestic work, and patriarchal control over resources and sexuality. Feminist critiques point out that, rather than being universally beneficial, the family often reproduces and reinforces gender inequality, which this view tends to overlook.

Murdock’s functionalist view argues that the family is a universal institution that performs essential functions for society and for individuals, contributing to social stability and cohesion. A common criticism of this perspective is that it downplays conflict and ignores the exploitation of women. By presenting the family as harmonious and universally beneficial, it glosses over power dynamics and gender inequalities inside the home—the unequal division of labor, unpaid domestic work, and patriarchal control over resources and sexuality. Feminist critiques point out that, rather than being universally beneficial, the family often reproduces and reinforces gender inequality, which this view tends to overlook.