1.13: Functions of the Family Flashcards
Families have several responsibilities to carry out in all human societies. These responsibilities help both individual family members and society and are called family functions. Here are the six functions of the family described by The Vanier Institute of the Family:
- Physical Maintenance and Care of Family Members
Families provide food, shelter, and clothing for their members. These are the basic necessities for human growth and survival. Families also provide health care and protection from dangerous situations.
- Addition of New Members
Families have babies. Families are expected to provide and raise the next generation of members for a society. Sexual activity is approved by marriage.
- Socialization of Children
Families are responsible for helping people learn how to fit into society. This process is called socialization and involves learning the necessary skills, as well as appreciating the charcateristics of the culture. Parents are to teach children how to behave.
- Social Control of Members
Families are responsible for ensuring that their members behave appropriately in different situations and learn ways to interact positively with others. Within the family, individuals learn values and attitudes’ that are carried throughout life.
- Production, Consumption and Distribution of Goods and Services
Families are part of the economic system in a society. Family members earn money to purchase the supplies needed to survive. They also decide how the goods and services will be distributed within the family.
- Love and Affective Nurturance
Families help to meet the emotional needs of each member. Children, as well as adults, learn to express feelings and give and receive emotional support in a caring environment.
