Different Family Forms & Functions of the Family Family Forms Basic Terms used in the Sociology of the Family Nuclear Extended Blended, Recombined, Reconstituted (Step- family) Childless Lone-parent/Single-parent Cohabitating Couples/Common-law marriages Same-sex Why study families? 1. To provide a broader view of family life other than our own; 2. To correct the fallacies and distortions that persist; 3. To focus on the normal aspects of family life rather than the unusual or atypical 4. To recognize the family as a hub of society around which other institutions and groups revolve Why study families? (Contd) 5. To learn more about the contribution of family life to human development; 6. To adopt valid plans and policies for future family situations in a given home, community or nation; 7. To have an enhanced understanding of your own life experiences. Connecting Individuals, Families and Society All societies have families You were born in a family, raised in a family, and will likely form your own family Together, Families make up neighbourhoods Neighbourhoods make up communities Communities make up cities Cities make up provinces and states, etc
Connecting Individuals, Families, and Society Functional Requisites basic functions needed for survival and to make society work In this small group, they share a commitment to co-operate in order to survive Therefore, families supervise the behaviour of individuals in ways that other institutions cannot In turn, other society groups support families: such as government, education, and healthcare Defining the Family Definitions reflect The actual nature of families (Theoretical) The desirable nature of families as described in the social policies of that culture (Functional)
Why are definitions important? They are used in social policy, for example, determines who qualifies for benefits, who is responsible for children, etc. Defining the Family Any combination of two or more persons who are bound together over time by ties of mutual consent, birth and/or adoption, or placement and who, together, assume responsibilities for the functions of the family
Vanier Institute of the Family Defining the Family 2 A now-married couple (with or without never-married sons and/or daughters of either or both spouses), a couple living common-law (again with or without never- married sons and/or daughters of either or both partners), or a lone-parent of any marital status, with at least one never- married son or daughter living in the same dwelling.
Statistics Canada
Functions of the Family The Family Serves 6 Functions in Society 1. Addition of new members 2. Physical care of members 3. Socialization of children 4. Social control of members 5. Affective nurturance love 6. Production and consumption of goods and services
The Vanier Institute of the Family 1) Addition of New Members Families have children through birth, adoption and may also use the help of fertility clinics
Benefits to Canadian society: Increases population Stronger economy (increased demand for goods and services) 2) Physical care of members Bathing children, feeding family, taking older parents to appointments Benefits to Canadian society: Individuals within the population stay healthy Members will be able to contribute to society 3) Socialization of children Teaching children language, taking them to school, helping with homework, taking children to cultural activities, church, etc. Benefits to Canadian society: - Individuals will acquire the skills, knowledge, values, and attitudes consistent with employability and citizenship expectations - People will be educated, find careers, have their own families, earn money 4) Social control of members Teaching children right from wrong (discipline and moral development) Benefits to Canadian Society: Individuals will obey the laws of society and country 5) Affective nurturance - lave Family members provide emotional comfort and support Benefits to Canadian society Individuals will care for others in society Individuals will develop strong relationships and raise their own families 6) Production and consumption of goods and services Parents or guardians earn money through work/careers, perform household chores, pay bills, buy food and clothing, provide shelter, pay for activities and services Benefits to Canadian society: Parents provide for their families Families contribute to the economy
How the Social Sciences study the Family The Social Sciences Aim to describe, predict, and explain The Scientific Method The social sciences investigate human thought and behaviour in a systematic manner The scientific method is a standardized procedure for investigating and communicating findings Family Studies An interdisciplinary study integrating: Psychology Anthropology Sociology
Interdisciplinary studies are efficient because they examine issues from several perspectives, which form a more complete picture
Attitudes of Teachers Towards The Use of Instructional Material in The Effective Teaching and Learning of Integrated Science Education in Secondary School in Apa Local Government Area Benue State