FUNCTIONS of the Family

What is the PURPOSE of family….  Families serve many different purposes or functions in our lives.  Families provide the following purposes/functions for the younger generations:  How to Socialize  How to Meet Physical Needs  How to Meet Emotional Needs  Influence Roles in Society

How to Socialize?  Families are initially responsible for teaching their children how to socialize.  Families should teach their children the “standards of society”, meaning what is acceptable verses unacceptable behavior.  Families should teach, train, and provide examples of good social behavior.

How to Meet Physical Needs?  Families are responsible for providing care and protection for family members.  Families should provide food, clothing, shelter, and protection from injury, harm, and disease.  Families provide this need but also need to PRODUCE—like show how to cook, clean, eat healthy, take care of clothes, etc.

How to meet Emotional Needs?  Families provide companionship for one another. Remember, family is our first intimate relationship.  Families help a person develop close relationships and learn how to talk, listen, resolve conflict, and be part of a group.  Families show a person how to LOVE—what it looks like to be loved and love another in return.

Influence Roles in Society  Families influence the path a person takes in society.  Your future role in society is influenced by your family’s values, meaning how much VALUE is placed on education, career satisfaction, and financial stability.  Your family also gives you a cultural identity. The “group” you identify your language, religion, dress, food, and celebrations with is often your family.

Questions to Ponder…..  What is the benefit to society if children are taught the “standards of society”?  What other “needs” might a family fulfill for its members?  Do all families share the same success in meeting physical needs? Why or why not?  How might your family influence the goals you want to reach in the future?