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.
There several ways to provide emotional support in the modern family. 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. The next point I would like to address is how, over the years, the main functions of the family have changed. During the 1600's the main function of the family was survival. Families were considered as a work force. Every member had specific jobs to do. The family produced everything they used or consumed. Families usually had several children to help in the fields doing labor. The Father was considered the head of the household. As the head of the household the father decided whom the children would marry. 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 focusi
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Approximate Word count = 676
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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