A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

What role does Murdock assign to men in a nuclear family?

1. Homemaker

2. Caregiver

3. Financial provider

4. Childrearing partner

The correct answer is: Financial provider

Murdock's perspective on the nuclear family emphasizes the division of labor between genders, rooted in traditional family roles. He posits that men typically assume the role of the financial provider, which is a hallmark of the nuclear family structure. This arrangement allows the family to maintain a stable economic base, as men were traditionally seen as the breadwinners who work outside the home, earning income to support the family. This economic support is pivotal for meeting the family's needs, such as housing, food, and education. In Murdock's view, this financial provision is one of the functions essential to the stability and functioning of the nuclear family. It allows women to take on other roles within the family without the primary stress of economic survival. While the other roles listed involve significant contributions to the family structure, they do not align with Murdock's specific focus on the economic responsibilities typically assigned to men in his analysis of family dynamics.