What does Murdock argue regarding the nuclear family?

Murdock argues that all family structures are variations of the nuclear family, which refers to the traditional family unit consisting of two parents and their children. His perspective highlights the nuclear family's fundamental role as a basic social unit across different cultures and throughout history. He emphasized that while family forms may vary, they often reflect the nuclear structure's core components, such as a two-parent system and their offspring, adapted to meet specific cultural and social needs.

This stance supports the idea that regardless of the presence of extended family forms, the nuclear family remains a central point of reference in understanding family dynamics and societal functions. Murdock's argument is rooted in his belief that the nuclear family fulfills essential societal functions, such as reproduction, socialization, and sexual regulation, which may influence other family structures. This understanding is crucial for analyzing how families operate within various societies and the persistence of the nuclear family across different cultures and historical periods.