A
Family’s Duties to Society
Have you ever wondered why family exists in the society? Is it
really necessary to have one? How about the idea of a perfect family? When can
we say that a particular family is functional or dysfunctional? Maybe, not all of these questions have
entered your mind but certainly, at least one of it is something you have asked
at some point of your life. Perhaps when your parents have had a serious fight
about something or when you heard your neighbors shouting to one another. You
may be having these thoughts possibly when your parents did not allow you on joining
an overnight camp or when you’re having a hard time that you think no one in
your family would be interested to listen on your difficulties.
In this article we will try our best to give answer those questions.
Hence, it might not be really enough to satisfy your inquiries but we hope that
it could help somehow. Before we proceed to the main topic of this entry, the
first thing we have to understand is the word family. The common definition of family
is that it is a social group that involves two adult of both sexes who are
socially approved of sexual relationships and children, either adopted or not
that lives in common residence. And if we agree with this definition it can
lead to an assumption that divorced parents, single parents and homosexual couples
are not considered as a family. Are you familiar with the Mosuo of Luoshui
Village in China? In this society, child grows up with his/ her mother and
mother’s brother (uncle) and not with their fathers. Further studies of sociologist
and anthropologists have deepened the understanding of family structures as
they discovered some ethnic groups practicing different form of family and marriages
yet living abundantly and still prevail. Students of family then inferred that
there is no particular or perfect form of family. A notion that a it requires
at least one adult and one dependent person to be called a family is now
conceived. So for the question if single parents and homosexuals with a pet is
considered a family, yes they are all families.
Now that we know what a family
is let’s proceed to its functions in the society. Firstly, the function of the
family lies on its socialization of children. As the most basic institution,
family becomes responsible for the firsthand knowledge of an individual. It enables
the child to learn values and attitudes within the culture and how to survive
in society where that they belong. This establishes the foundation of the child
for future socialization. Second, it legitimizes sexual relations for
reproduction. Marriage is necessary for copulation to be accepted in the
society. Being in a family legitimizes this. Family is also important for
economic production. Families manufacture goods and services for the market.
Connected to socialization, family is unconsciously assigning its members on
what particular role it must portray in a society. An example of this is that fathers
treat their daughters differently from their sons. Daughters are expected to
have a lenient work as to compare to sons who requires force and is risky. Another
of these functions is for emotional support and affection. Families take care
of the sick and aged. It demonstrates to the young ones on how to deal with
problems and tragedy. Lastly, is for procreation and continue the linage.
Of course, a family has to be healthy
in order for them to function well. Several characteristics of a healthy family
are as follows. First, the parents must have a definite role. Confusion in role
could lead to some misunderstanding in the family. An example of this is that
parents are expected to provide the needs of their children. If they failed to do
their part, there is possibility for a children to have a difficulty upon doing
his/ her role (e.g. to study well) because they also have to work to support
their expenses. Second, there should be a consistent affection
and support among family members. If a child is neglected, he/she may be
depressed and resort to crimes. Third, a family must be adaptable and flexible.
Once a crisis hits the family they must respond to it clearly and precisely
otherwise, it’s going to hit them hard. They must also be open and
communicating very often. Communication is very important among groups to
function.
Unfortunately, there are some families
with an opposite characteristics of a functional family. A dysfunctional family is a family that is
always in conflict and arguments. This prohibits them from doing their role in
the society. This family lacks flexibility. Once a crisis comes they end up fighting
amongst another. Another, in a dysfunctional family, there is an extreme
detachment and poor communication. As stated above, communication is very
important for a better relationship. A family who does not understand each other
is bound to break. This miscommunication can develop anger and hate towards each
other leading them to separate. And last, this kind of family often scapegoating
within the family where an individual is placed as the object of conflict
without addressing the real cause of the problem.
That’s all we can share for now. Who
knows, if someone asked you either of these questions, you know now how to answer
it.
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SocSci10 Z Group 5
Enriquez,
Ryan
Flores, Nathaniel
Lorenz
Galido, Noel
Joseph
Jimenez, Rica
Paican,
Maria Luzviminda
Vergara, Bryan
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