Roles and Functions of the Family

1. Roles and Functions of the Family P.F.D.-McCann

2. Each member of the family has special roles to play in the family such as parent, sibling, spouse. The behaviors of people in these roles vary from family to family.

3. Roles can be… • Inherited –some roles are inherited-like daughter because you are a girl, sibling because you are 2nd born • Assigned –parents can assign a role like babysitter to the oldest child • Chosen-some roles are chosen-like family cook

4. The family functions as an interactive unit. This unit provides for the physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual well-being of its members.

5. Procreation - the bearing of children • Parents have kids as an expression of their love for each other • They want to have someone carry on their heritage and traditions • The birth of children assure the continuation of society

6. Society and procreation • Children grow up and become adult that join the workforce • These young adults work and keep the economy going • They also have kids and the cycle repeats itself

7. Physical Care Families provide food, clothing, shelter, medical care and a safe environment for its members.

8. Society helps the family with physical needs Examples of help from society to the family are food stamps, public housing, Medicare/Medicaid, and charitable programs like the YMCA or local missions like HAAM

9. Socialization • The family teaches its children to conform to social standards. As parents socialize their children, they act as authority figures in the home teaching limits and appropriate behavior. • Education is also a part of socialization. Both moral and intellectual education are important for children.

10. Society helps the family As children grow and age, society provides educational resources: K-12 schools, colleges and universities, vocational and technical schools, and apprenticeships.

11. Emotional Support • The most critical function of families in today’s society is the emotional support of family members. • Parents provide and teach love, guidance, comfort, reassurance and forgiveness.

12. Society and Emotional Support • There are many agencies and individuals that provide information, care and support for family members. • Churches often provide counseling, Engagement and Marriage Encounter seminars, parenting classes • Therapist, Counselors, and Mental Health specialists also provide emotional assistance