THE FAMILY

Facilitator: Jasmina S

What is family?

• Family is universal organisation. Its structure or forms vary from society to society.

• A variation is culture, social system, social value, condition of life brings variation in the forms of family.

Elements of a family

Presence of following elements of a family are essential:• Mating Relationship• Form of marriage• System of nomenclature• Economic Provision• Common habitation• Small, primary and more or less durable association• Common culture• Blood relation among family members.

Characteristics of a family 1) A mating relationship-Male and Female 2) A form of marriage- love or arranged3) A system of nomenclature – uniqueness 4) An Economic Provision- 5) A common habitation6) Universality- Found in every culture7) Emotional basis- Relation between father- mother8) Formative influence + influence on all its members, younger

ones are dependent on elders - emotionally9) Limited size- bonds of blood, no. Is limited10) Nuclear Position- 11) ) Responsibilities of the members12) Social regulations- customs , laws vary in different culture13) Permanent and Temporary in Nature- temporary when one

partner dies association is over.

Functions of a FamilyBiological Functions:(i) Satisfaction of sexual desires : Sexual desires are basic human

instincts . Every society has social control over an individual's sex desires in its own traditions.

(ii) Reproduction : It is essential for the survival of the human beings. Though this function is possible outside the family also but then it does not have social approval. The reproductive function depends upon the relation between husband and wife through the marriage bonds and bears social approval. It also provides stable nature to family.

(iii) Nurture of children : Since time immemorial family has provided a security to children and environment for their growth. This function of family has been tried out to be performed by other social institutions at many places, but the results are not fully satisfactory.

Psychological Functions(i) Psychological security-The psychological security

provided by family gives them confidence to face adversities of the world. It develops their total personality- mental as well as physical.

(ii) Affection-The sentiment of love and affection makes a family member to feel that he is wanted in the world and is an important entity as others are. This affects the personality he develops. The people, who are denied such feelings by the family, generally develop criminal tendencies or unbalanced personalities.

Functions of Family (contd)Traditional Functions(a) Physical Functions: • These functions refer to care of each and care of the weaker

members of the family.(i) Physical care: • It is the duty of the family to take physical care of the weaker

members of the family like children, ladies, old people and the disabled.

(ii) Provision of shelter: • The family provides a home or shelter for its members so that

they feel secure in it and are able carry out their day-to-day work.(iii) Provision of food and clothing: Family provides nutritious and balanced food for its members. On

this depends the health and growth of its members.

Economic Functions(i) Labour division: • A family comprises of members of all ages, genders and capabilities –

work. Male members are the earning members who work outside whereas the females have to look after the household duties.

• But this concept has considerably changed as more and more females are working to earn for bettering the family's economic strength. The children always contribute to the household work according to their capacities.

(ii) Determination of inheritance: • The family has its own money and property. The head of the family runs

and controls the family. The inheritance is handed over to the next senior members according to the system prevalent in the particular family. In the modern families, inheritance is the right of both daughters and sons.

Economic Functions (contd)

(iii) Productive unit: • Family is the center of productive activities as well as being

a consumer unit. The traditional work of the family continues from one generation to the next. Today however, this trend is not followed much.

(iv)Management of income: • The family has to manage the total requirements of food,

clothing, shelter, health and education of all members of the family within the family income. In the modern times, all the members of the family try to contribute towards the total family income.

Social Functions(i) Determining social status: Each family holds a definite place in the society. The social status

of the family determines the living standard, socializing standard and marriage standard of the family. The status of the family generally runs from generation to generations. The family members, functioning as a unit constantly strive to work accordingly in the society to maintain and improve the status.

(ii) Socialization: A newborn child is not a social being. But by living in the society

(interacting through family), learns and understands the rules of the society according to which one has to speak, eat, behave and move around. All this shapes the personality of the individual.

(iii) Social control: Each person has to behave in society according to some social rules and regulations which are taught to him by the family.(iv) Perpetuation of human achievements from one generation to other generation: The elder members of family teach the younger generation about the social values, traditions, customs and moral values of their particular family. The achievements of the family are also passed on from senior member to other members of the family.(v) Helpful in selection of life partner: The family in our society performs the duty of setting their children in marriage. This is done according to the social status of the family and is facilitated by the amount of socialization of family does. On the other hand, in the western culture, the process of choosing life partners is done by children themselves. This trend is being adopted gradually in our country also.

Social Functions(contd)

(d) Religious Functions: Every family follows the rituals of a particular religion.

The family teaches the child about God, the faith, its teaching, etc.

(e) Political Functions: The political functions of a family are important in

smaller societies where the head of the family has the power to take decisions on behalf of other members regarding social, religious and political matters.

(f) Cultural Functions: The culture of the society is kept alive due to the family.

The family teaches its younger members regarding the life style, traditions, moral values and social values which the family follows. Family, thus, inculcates and transfers the culture from one generation to next.

Functions (contd)(g) Educational Functions: Family is said to be the first school which a child attends.

Children are like wet cement; what ever falls upon them leaves an impression. The family inculcates preschool education in the child and provides a proper environment for the child's education. Both of these play very important role in achieving the future success of an individual as a member of society.

(h) Recreational Functions: The family provides relaxation through recreation to its

members. The personal interaction between various members of a family, mutual jokes and playful activities of children serve as recreation for other members of the family.

Types of Family

On the basis of marriage i) Monogamous Family:• This type of family consists of one husband one wife. In

other words, a single husband and a single wife.ii) Polygynous Family:• When a man marries more than one wives and lives along

with their children the family is known as polygynous family.iii) Polyandrous Family:• It is a kind of family, which allows a woman to marry more

than one man.

Polyandrous Endogamous and Exogamous

Monogamous Family

Polygynous

Types of Family (contd)

iv) Endogamous and Exogamous Family:• The rules of endogamy and endogamy are strictly

followed while selecting life partner. The rules of endogamy demands marriage outside the group. As such, the family which follows the rules of endogamy is known as endogamous family.

• On the other hand, an exogamous family is the opposite of endogamous family. In other words, in exogamous family a person is required to select his life partner from outside his/her own group

Types of Family (contd)

On the basis of descent and authority• Matriarchal : Mother holds the major authority.

Mother and her family stay together and family name of mother’s side is given to her children.

• Patriarchal Families : authority lies on father . Wife goes to stay with her husband and his relatives after their marriage. Father takes major decisions.

Matriarchal Patriarchal

Urban Family

Rural Family

Types of Family(contd)

On the basis of size:• Nuclear or the single unit family-also called

primary family. It refers to such families in which a husband, his wife and their children stay together.

• Joint family- Also called an extended family. Husband, wife, their children and husband’s relatives stay together. Thus it is an association or a group of two or more.

Types of family (contd)

• On the basis of community:Rural Family : A group of person consultituting a

family which lives in an agricultural or open country environment

Urban Family: dwell in cities. They are smaller in number have higher age of marriage, secular outlook, freedom of women and less attachment to traditions.

Types of family (contd)

• On the basis of orientation and procreation:Family of orientation: Family in which an

individual takes birth. Parents and sibling stay together.

Family of procreation: Family which individual establishes or adopt after marriage. Individual, wife and children produced after marriage.

Types of family(contd)

• On the basis of relationshipConsanguineous Family: Families in which blood

relations stay together. In addition to husband and wife other blood relatives also reside and live in the family.

Conjugal Family: Husband, wife and their children . Smaller in size and less stable. Emotion and affection bond are strong.

Types of family(contd)• On the basis of religion:Hindu Family: Marriage is considered to be compulsory and

important ritual. Generally it is a monogamous family with in joint family system. Culture and traditions have important roles to play in day to day life.

Muslim Family: Marriage is compulsory, mostly a polygamous trend is seen in Muslim families . They are quite orthodox and women are strictly kept in veil and granted very little or no freedom.

Christian Family: monogamous families are a tradition in this community also. Generally , nuclear families are found and boys and girls are given equal importance and freedom

Types of family(contd)

• On the basis of culture:Western Culture: It gives equal status to men and

women. The work, the responsibilities and the rights are equally shared between husband and wife .The families have a nuclear set up in most cases.

Eastern Culture: Mostly joint or extended families are found in this culture. Rural Families are common. Parents in old age are looked after by the family. They are closely bond to their culture and traditions.

Change in Family • Change in Types: Activity and changes are never ending universal

facts of life. It makes society and its members progressive.• Change in Pattern: Women has started earning- independent-

economic freedom- divorce, lower stability in the family.• Functions of Families- attitude. • Functions- attitude- little or no religious education is imparted

and approach has changed , desires , satisfaction , economic – luxury . Formal education is must. Health problems – careful attention referred to doctors, Recreation attitudes have changed – more physical oriented to more mentally oriented.

Changes in the primary functions

• Modern Family in most of the societies fails to exercise its traditional control in regulating sexual behavior. With the development of science and more particularly genetic engineering test tubes babies are born as a result bringing changes in the traditional reproduction function of family.

Changes in Secondary Functions • Change in the attitudes• Satisfaction of sexual desire has less importance.• Physical work in old days was more whereas today majority work is

done by maid or helpers• Attitude towards religion has taken a turn• Education is given more imp.• Joint family management was in the hands of the head of the

family . Nuclear family decisions are shared equally• Traditional Families – Health problems were taken care by older

ladies. Today health problems are given attention by private doctors.• Recreation in olden times was not considered – Medium was folk,

music animal fights. Today it is fashion shows, TV , clubs, radio

Reasons for Change

• Economic ReasonsIndustrialization:the families have changed from

producer-consumer entity to only a consumer unit.Material standard of living: more materialistic and the

things which were considered luxury at one time; have now become a necessity for day-to-day living.

Economic independence of women: girls got higher education , women started working- change in outlook, attitude and form of family as a unit.

Reason for change (contd)

Social Reason: • Urbanization• Mobility of population• Education of women• New sexual morality• New direction of recreation

Political Reason• Change in authority• Women Right’sPhilosophical Reasons• Marriage was fixed in heaven. One had to adjust

with the life partner. It was a religious binding.• Close ties with blood relation , even one from the

village was considered one among them.• Individuals are becoming more self centered

>Replaced with I and Mine.•

Family and Society• A family is unit of society • Society has an influence on each ind family• Man alone cannot perform all the functions – needs help from

others• So he lives in groups and communities• Protection, comfort, education. • Living together forms a society – perfect to imperfect society

intervenes • Components of society are – family, clan, community and nation• A child learns from the family- limited scope when he moves out

– lead to imperfection• To achieve the goal- society establishes schools, college cultural

organisation etc

Religion• Crucial role- deep rooted • Culture and tradition are directly linked with religion• Cannot separate – culture and religious bond• Occupations are hereditary• Influence of religion- dress, marriage, education, birth and

birthday celebration.• Impact and influence is very deep – cannot escape• Religious thinking and attitude- people are adopting scientific

and logical attitudes.• Norms and standard are being modified.• Inculcate values – religion plays a very imp role.

School

• In olden days students – stay in schools , work and received education – various disciplines.

• Change in social structure, scientific approach- change in education system.

• Earlier education- moral values & adopt family trades.• Industrialization- education – job oriented, more

materialistic• Overall change in attitude-individuals do not care for

honesty and truth- pride of having big house, car, expensive gadgets- affecting family relation

School (contd)• Educational institutions – very imp role• Balance between moral values and materialistic • Life style is more scientific – new gadgets are getting place

in the family-very convenient – scientific background.• Educations has great influence on individual and family.

Earlier it was oral now it is knowledge based.• Better understanding of man’s diff needs.• Food, nutrition, care, security , living std, love affection are

analysed systematically and logically.• Modern education- overall deve of an individual.• Education – enlightens a persons life. Approach, thinking

and attitude is modified – faith in religion and values in life.

Position of child in family and socialization

• Child takes birth in the family- three stages• Infancy, Childhood + Adolescence• Earlier period- very crucial- knowledge only from

family. Child is completely dependent on the family . Infant sleeps for most of the time.

all the needs are taken care by the mother or care taker.

Care, affection , attention provided by the family develops confidence , capability and affection.

Family and Growth

• Mother , father & children.• Father’s parents, brothers and sisters live

together- joint family- all contribute for G & D of the child.

• Physical Care & Protection- basic needs• Emotional Needs –love, affection• Socialization- tradition, values, beliefs, custom,

rituals, respect elders, truth, honesty. Reward and Punishment- upbringing

Growth

• Increase in size and progress in natural skills – eating, sitting, walking etc

• Earlier- irregular and imbalance • Gradually – sit, stand, walk, run• Dancing and swimming – few motor skills is

achieved after a particular age .

Effect of Family Size on Welfare of Members

• The numbers of children are less. Therefore, parents are able to pay more attention to them and their needs.

• The parents are more conscious of their children's health. Not only they care seriously about various preventive vaccines, but also their general health, weight, height etc.

• Due to less number of children, the overall economic burden on parents is less.

• Higher education is expensive and middle class cannot afford – family has to be small.

• Smaller family size has been a boon for the women of the family. Repeatedly bearing children used to affect their health to a poor state.

• With the smaller family size, higher standard of living is easier to maintain.• Closer bonds between parents and children.

Disadvantage

• Children are self centred • Elders feel insecure and lonely• Emergency – less emotional support• Both parents are working- no time to interact• Know less of religion, customs and values

Community and Role of family

• Family a social unit of any community- sole basis of a society

• Family starts the development and progress. • Childs birth takes place in the family –

emotions are introduced – love , security

Women and Child Welfare

• Role of Women-Women play multi dimensional role in the family – all resp and comfort to all family members.

• As a wife- Necessary environment with her partner- socially, spiritually, intellectually and economically

• Home Manager/Leader-Co-ordinates for smooth functioning and achievements

• Mother- First teacher to the child –Shapes the personality , nutritious food, secured , comfortable – overall G & D

• Artist – Manages home , beauty and belongingness among the members

Empower Women

• Education- widens the horizon and outlook• Uplifts the economic condition• Makes aware of the constitutional , legal and

human rights• Self employed- increase efficiency, capabilities

and better economic condition• Mass Media- information with better life,

change attitude of family member and society

Eradication of Child labour

• Children are exploited and forced into labour• Poor families need money to survive• Attitude of parents – Children should work in garage,

small scale industries- no education• Drop outs from school- no care from the family leads to

child labour• Eradication- Poverty , proper implementation of Right to

Education , compulsory and free education with free food and fund

• Govt policies + NGO’s _ eradicate child labour