THE DARK

SIDE OF
FAMILIES
BY MINAAL MUSTAFA, ANOUSHEH EZDI, MEHRUNISA SATTI AND SELINA
BUTT
HISTORY OF
DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE
Throughout the Middle Ages and Early Modern Period,
patriarchal norms and religious doctrines often condoned or
overlooked domestic violence, viewing women and children as
property of male heads of households.
The feminist movement of the late 19th and early 20th
centuries brought increased attention to domestic violence as a
systemic issue rooted in gender inequality, leading to the
establishment of shelters, advocacy organizations, and legal
reforms to address the problem.
In the latter half of the 20th century, awareness of domestic
violence grew significantly, spurred by research, advocacy
efforts, and legislative changes aimed at protecting victims,
holding perpetrators accountable, and challenging societal
attitudes that perpetuate abuse within families.
DIFFERENT - Functionalists view the family as primarily servin
positive functions, such as socialization and

SOCIOLOGICAL emotional support, overlooking negative aspects

such as gender inequality and domestic violence.

VIEWS - Marxists critique the functionalist perspective,

REGARDING THE arguing that it ignores conflicts and inequalities

within the family structure, particularly concerning

DARK SIDE OF class exploitation and the reproduction of capitalis

relations.

FAMILIES - Feminist perspectives highlight the dark side of

family life, emphasizing gender inequality,
patriarchal norms, and the intersectionality of
oppression based on gender, class, and race.

- Radical feminists focus on the role of traditional

nuclear families in perpetuating gender, class, and
race inequalities, while liberal feminists advocate
for policy reforms to address economic disparities
and promote gender equality.

- Postmodern perspectives challenge traditional

notions of family structure and stability,
recognizing the diversity of family arrangements
and highlighting the uncertainties faced by
individuals in non-traditional family settings.
DIFFERENT - Physical abuse involves intentionally injuring an

ASPECTS TO individual, such as through physical punishment in

families, which can lead to long-term negative effects on

THE DARK a child's development, including increased risk of

depression and anxiety.

SIDE OF THE - Emotional abuse includes non-physical behaviors aimed

FAMILY at controlling or frightening individuals, such as threats,

insults, monitoring, jealousy, manipulation, and
intimidation, commonly observed in romantic
relationships.

- Child abuse encompasses physical, sexual, emotional,

and psychological mistreatment or neglect of children
under 18 years old, often perpetrated by parents or
caregivers, resulting in actual or potential harm to the
child's well-being.

- Child abuse can occur in various settings, including the

child's home, organizations, schools, or communities, and
may involve acts or failures to act by caregivers that harm
the child's physical, emotional, or psychological health.

- The consequences of child abuse can be severe and

long-lasting, affecting the child's mental and emotional
well-being, interpersonal relationships, and overall
development, underscoring the importance of prevention
and intervention efforts to protect children from harm.
WHAT DOES THE
DARK SIDE OF
FAMILIES REALLY
MEAN
The "dark side" of the family refers to the negative or
problematic aspects of family life that are often
overlooked or concealed beneath idealized portrayals of
familial relationships. This concept acknowledges that
families, while often associated with love, support, and
stability, can also be sites of conflict, dysfunction, and
harm. It encompasses various forms of abuse, dysfunction,
and inequalities within family structures, including but
not limited to domestic violence, emotional abuse,
neglect, substance abuse, and intergenerational trauma.
Recognizing the dark side of the family highlights the
need to address systemic issues and provide support for
individuals and families affected by these challenges.
STATISTICS
Child abuse affects 10% of UK
children, with various types of
neglect. Domestic violence affects
1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men, with
89% committed by men against
wives. Domestic violence accounts
for 30% of violent crime. Courts
often don't take it seriously,
leading to few women leaving
their husbands due to fear, shame,
embarrassment, financial
insecurities, or concerns about
their children.
CONCLUSION
The dark side of the family, encompassing
physical and emotional abuse, neglect, and
exploitation, is a complex issue that impacts
individuals and society. Sociological
perspectives like functionalism, Marxism,
feminism, and postmodernism offer unique
insights into the structures and power
dynamics that perpetuate these issues.
Addressing the dark side of the family
requires legal reforms, social policies,
community interventions, and cultural shifts.
By confronting this issue with empathy and
collective action, we can create safer,
healthier, and more equitable family
environments.
THANK YOU!!