Roles and Functions of the Family

P.F.D.-McCann
 Each member of the family has
special roles to play in the family
such as parent, sibling, spouse.

The behaviors of people in these

roles vary from family to family.
Roles can be…
 Inherited –some roles are inherited-
like daughter because you are a girl,
sibling because you are 2nd born

 Assigned –parents can assign a role like

babysitter to the oldest child

 Chosen-some roles are chosen-like

family cook
The family functions as an
interactive unit.

This unit provides for the

physical, mental, emotional,
social and spiritual well-being of
its members.
 Procreation - the bearing of
children
 Parents have kids as an expression of
their love for each other
 They want to have someone carry on
their heritage and traditions
 The birth of children assure the
continuation of society
Society and procreation
Children grow up and become
adult that join the workforce
These young adults work and
keep the economy going
They also have kids and the
cycle repeats itself
Physical Care
Families provide food, clothing,
shelter, medical care and a safe
environment for its members.
Society helps the family with physical
needs
Examples of help from society to
the family are food stamps, public
housing, Medicare/Medicaid, and
charitable programs like the YMCA
or local missions like HAAM
Socialization
 The family teaches its children to conform
to social standards. As parents socialize
their children, they act as authority figures
in the home teaching limits and
appropriate behavior.
 Education is also a part of socialization.
Both moral and intellectual education are
important for children.
Society helps the family
As children grow and age, society
provides educational resources:
K-12 schools, colleges and
universities, vocational and
technical schools, and
apprenticeships.
Emotional Support
 The most critical function of
families in today’s society is the
emotional support of family
members.
 Parents provide and teach love,
guidance, comfort, reassurance
and forgiveness.
Society and Emotional Support
 There are many agencies and
individuals that provide information,
care and support for family members.
 Churches often provide counseling,
Engagement and Marriage Encounter
seminars, parenting classes
 Therapist, Counselors, and Mental
Health specialists also provide
emotional assistance