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FUNCTIONS of the Family
What is the
PURPOSE of family….
 Families serve many different purposes or
functions in our lives.
 Families provide the following
purposes/functions for the younger generations:
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How to Socialize
How to Meet Physical Needs
How to Meet Emotional Needs
Influence Roles in Society
How to Socialize?
 Families are initially responsible for teaching
their children how to socialize.
 Families should teach their children the
“standards of society”, meaning what is
acceptable verses unacceptable behavior.
 Families should teach, train, and provide
examples of good social behavior.
How to Meet
Physical Needs?
 Families are responsible for providing care and
protection for family members.
 Families should provide food, clothing, shelter,
and protection from injury, harm, and disease.
 Families provide this need but also need to
PRODUCE—like show how to cook, clean, eat
healthy, take care of clothes, etc.
How to meet
Emotional Needs?
 Families provide companionship for one
another. Remember, family is our first intimate
relationship.
 Families help a person develop close
relationships and learn how to talk, listen,
resolve conflict, and be part of a group.
 Families show a person how to LOVE—what it
looks like to be loved and love another in return.
Influence Roles in Society
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Families influence the path a person takes in society.
Your future role in society is influenced by your
family’s values, meaning how much VALUE is placed
on education, career satisfaction, and financial
stability.
Your family also gives you a cultural identity. The
“group” you identify your language, religion, dress,
food, and celebrations with is often your family.
Questions to Ponder…..
 What is the benefit to society if children are
taught the “standards of society”?
 What other “needs” might a family fulfill for its
members?
 Do all families share the same success in
meeting physical needs? Why or why not?
 How might your family influence the goals you
want to reach in the future?