What is a family? The Family is a fundamental social group in society typically consisting of individuals related either by blood, marriage and/or adoption.
According to the sociologist G.P. Murdock, The
family is a social group characterized by common residence, economic cooperation and reproduction. It includes adults f both sexes, at least two of whom maintain a socially approved sexual relationship, and one or more children, owned or adopted, of the sexual cohabitating adult. Functions of the family Regulation of sexual activity Reproduction Socialization Function Economic production Regulation of sexual Activity The family provides members with opportunities to develop regular face to face communication and intimate relationships. All societies have norms and values regarding marital relationships and patterns of sexual behavior. Most traditional cultures support heterosexual unions, and sexual relations within the framework of marriage. They also have some form of ceremony to formalize marital relationships. Family and societal norms therefore controls sexuality and provide emotional and psychological stability for adults. Reproduction The family provides a stable framework for procreation, thereby providing new members of society with the expectation of care and compassion associated with parenting. This function ensures the continuity of society through the replacement of passing generations. Socialization Function Being the first institution for primary socialization, the family prepares the child for his/her role on society by equipping the child with all the knowledge and skills necessary for functioning as a useful member of society. In modern societies, some institutions, E.g. school, are also responsible for socializing young children. Many norms and values which are important to the childs development are conveyed by day care centers, nurseries, etc. Today, they are performing many of the functions that were previously performed by the family in traditional societies Economic Function The family provides for the economic needs of its members, especially the younger members, the elderly, the ill and the incapacitated. These members are usually unable to care for themselves. Societal norms will also define the economic roles of adult members. Types of family Nuclear Family Extended Family Reconstituted Family Single Parent Household Joint Family Nuclear Family Brought to the Caribbean by the Europeans The nuclear family is seen as the typical family form and includes both parents and their child or children. Also referred to as the conjugal family or the traditional family. They are often regarded as the most basic unit of social organization. Nuclear Family contd In previous times, nuclear families were larger than those of today. Factors which have brought about the change in nuclear family size are: i. The changing role of women ii. Urbanization iii. Economic conditions within the family and/or society Extended Family In relation to the nuclear family, the extended family includes additional generations and relations, who in many instances provides financial and emotional support to help to raise children. It could also be a convenient arrangement to support an ill or the elderly. Indians and Africans brought this family type to the Caribbean Reconstituted Family A reconstituted family (also known as a blended family) is the sociological term for the joining of two adults via marriage, cohabitation or civil partnership, who have children from previous relationships. In many cases, each partner comes into the new marriage or union with children from their former marriage. Reconstituted Family Contd In this family type, challenges may present itself. For example, the allocation of roles and responsibilities within the family. There will be a need for defining the role of the new daddy and new mommy, while at the same time giving consideration to the childs/childrens other parent. There may also be clashes of personalities as children may now be living with other children with whom they only had brief encounters prior to their parents marriage Single Parent Household
Single-parent families may have derived through
divorce, separation, or from the death of a spouse. In some instances, they are due to the tendency among some women today who may be career- oriented or may choose to parent a child outside of marriage.
Statisticsstate that females that are young adults
have a higher percentage rate of being single- parent than the older females of todays society. Single Parent Household contd In some single-parent families the caregiver normally faces various challenges in caring for his/her child/children. Challenges such as; difficulties providing basic needs especially food, financial problems etc. Joint Family This family type originated out of the Indian culture and not many are now found in the Caribbean.
Its asystem under which even extended members of
a family like ones parents, children, the childrens spouses and their offspring, etc. live together. The elder-most, usually the male member is the head in the joint Indian family system who makes all important decisions and rules, whereas other family members abide by it dutifully with full respect.
Family Institution and Modernization: A Sociological Perspective. Ilori Oladapo Mayowa. Department of Sociology. Faculty of The Social Sciences. Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti.
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