Concept of a family

basic unit of society.

exist in all sizes and configurations and are essential to the health and
survival of the individual members and to the society as a whole.
Serves as buffer between the needs of the individual and the demands and
expectations of the society.
The FAMILY is a unity of interacting persons related by the ties of marriage,
birth or adoption, whose central purpose is to create and maintain a common
culture which promotes the physical, mental emotional and social
development of each of its members (Duval, 1971).
A FAMILY is composed of two or more people who are emotionally involved
with each other and live in close geographical proximity (Friedman, 1981).
Although the single person is not living with others, he or she is a part of a
family of origin, usually has a social network with significant others. Majority
of single adults living alone are found in two age groups:
The young adult who has achieved independence and enters the work force.
The elderly persons, left alone through death of a spouse
ROLES OF THE FAMILY

1. To meet the needs of the society (Taylor, et al, 1989).

2. Provides the individual with the necessary environment for development and
interactions.
3. Provides new and socialized members for the society.
Major Functions of a Family

A. PHYSICAL FUNCTION
Is carried out by providing a safe, comfortable environment necessary to
growth, development and rest or recuperation.
B. ECONOMIC FUNCTION
Provide financial aid for members, as well as meeting monetary needs of the
society.
C. REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTION
It is met by the birth of children.
D. SOCIALIZATION FUNCTION
This is of major importance and includes:
teaching
transmitting beliefs, values, attitudes and coping mechanisms
providing feedback
guidance in problem solving
FAMILY STRUCTURE

1. TRADITIONAL FAMILY
is composed of a father, a mother, and their children.
These people, married and living together in one house make up the
NUCLEAR FAMILY.
Relatives such as aunts, uncles, cousins and grand parents, who may
or may not live with the nuclear family, are part of the EXTENDED
FAMILY.

 This family group usually live in close geographic proximity to

members of the extended family, who provided a sense of
stability and belonging.
2. SINGLE-PARENT FAMILY
may be never married, separated, divorced or widowed. Most often,
the single parent is divorced or widowed, but increasing numbers
of never-married men and women are choosing to become
parents.
3. ALTERNATE FAMILY STRUCTURE
Cohabitating Families
It includes those individuals who choose to live together for a variety
of reasons:
- Relationships
- financial need
- changing values

FAMILY STAGES AND TASKS

1. Beginning Family
Establishing a mutually satisfying marriage
Planning to have or not have children
1. Child-bearing Family
Having and adjusting to infant
Supporting the needs of all three members
Renegotiating marital relationship
1. Family with Pre-school children
Adjusting to costs of family life
Adapting to needs of pre-school children to stimulate growth and
development
Coping with parental loss of energy and privacy
1. Family with school age-children
Adjusting to the activity of growing children
Promoting joint decisions between children and parents
Encouraging and supporting childrens educational achievements.
1. Family with teen-agers and young adults
Maintaining open communication among members
Supporting ethical and moral values within the family
Balancing freedom with responsibility for teen- agers
Releasing young adults with appropriate ritual and assistance
Maintaining supportive home base
2. Post-parental Family
Preparing for retirement
Maintaining ties with older and younger generations
1. Aging Family
Adjusting to retirement
Adjusting to loss of spouse

Closing family house