1. FUNCTIONS OF THE FAMILY

2. SOCIALIZATION Socialization is the process by which children learn to become human and adopt certain behaviour The early socialization of children is almost always dependent upon parenting.

3. Sexual Function A healthy sexual relationship is another function of the family. In the past, women were expected to constantly be pregnant throughout the marriage until menopause Now with modern contraceptives, this is not as common in the West.

4. Feral Children (Isolates) Several studies have shown that without socialization, children will not automatically learn to speak, read, write, and have normal human functions and feelings. There have also been several of these children found in recent history which have proven it. These children were incapable to communicate and acted no different than a wild animal.

5. Parenting and Family Socialization Parents and siblings alike, play a key roles in the development of new children within a family. Speaking, morals, values and culture are all instilled by the family. Communication is vital within a family to create healthy and ‘normal’ children.

6. The Economic Function At one time, children were seen as a source of labour to be used on the farm, or sent away to factories to work to help provide for the family. In the Western world, this trend has begun to dwindle Children are now expected to go to and to graduate from high school, and then attend post secondary education, or to enter the work force, and move out of the house.

7. The Boomerang Generation The boomerang generation refers to the young people born in Western societies between 1975 & 1986. They have been given this name because of the frequency with which they return home to live with their parents after extended periods living on their own. They boomerang back to their original place of origin.

8. The Reproductive Function This is the process of individuals having children and creating new families. Birth rates are now declining in the Western World. In Canada, we have a rapidly aging population called, Baby Boomers. In Canada, we rely on immigration to bring down the median age.

9. The Emotional Function Psychologists argue that the emotional support within families is very important. Without parental support, children may end up with social, emotional, and/or mental health issues.