Functions of the Family
A good definition of the word function is; a contribution that a part of a system makes to the maintenance of the whole. This is also true when dealing with the functions of the family. Every member of a family contributes to the family unit as a whole, and every family unit contributes and adds to society. A well-known functionalist named Talcott Parson was able to break down the functions of the family into an easy to understand theory. He stated that the main functions of the family were, "to ensure that new babies actually survive to become adult members of that society, to regulate sexual activity, to ensure that children are satisfactorily socialized into the norms and values of society, to provide economic support for other family members, to satisfy our emotional needs for love and security," and finally, "To provide us with a sense of place and position in our society." In summary, the main function of the family is to provide for the basic needs of each other.
The next point I would like to address is how, over the years, the main functions of the family have changed. Love had little to do with a marriage until the mid 1700's when the function of the family became less focused on survival, and started focusing more on the emotional and social support a family provides. As the head of the household the father decided whom the children would marry. During this time women were very modest and husbands and wives had very little to do with each other. The Father was considered the head of the household. Some good suggestions are to avoid scheduling too many activities, to watch for clues that family members need a break, to focus on responsibilities and on activities that people enjoy, to schedule family meals, to organize your life, and to maintain a good sense of humor. Every member had specific jobs to do. Many animals can care for themselves within hours of birth, but human babies require complete support of an adult, years into their life. The family produced everything they used or consumed. In the modern family there is a lot more diversity than there ever has been. Through the ages families have gone through several other stages. The modern family's is also a part of affectionate individualism, because the family provides emotional support for the different members of the family. sfy the basic needs of their children by providing for their health, safety, intellectual, social, and emotional needs. During the 1600's the main function of the family was survival. Parents and other family members can help their children mature into adult hood by meeting their basic needs.
Common topics in this essay:
Talcott Parson,
Companionate Family,
,
Victorian Family,
functions family,
modern family,
support family,
function family,
family companionate family,
main function family,
Family Companionate,
main functions family,
family provides,
family provide,
emotional support,
family unit,
victorian family,
family companionate,
|
Acceptance Essays
