The Family
Chapter outline :
> Definitions of family
> Characteristics of family
>Types of family
> Family cycle
> Basic needs of family
> Importance of interdependence of family members
> important fuctions of family
> problems of family
> Types of marriage
> Medical and Sociological aspect of marriage
Q. Define family. Describe the characteristics and types of family in detail.
1. Definition of Family
Ans : Family is the most basic and primary social institution in society. It is a group of individuals connected by blood, marriage, or adoption, who live together and share emotional, social, and economic responsibilities.
Definitions
MacIver and Page:
“Family is a group defined by sex relationship sufficiently precise and enduring to provide for the procreation and upbringing of children.”
George P. Murdock:
“Family is a social group characterized by common residence, economic cooperation and reproduction.”
Characteristics of Family
1. Universal Institution – Family exists in every society and is found in all cultures across the world.
2. Biological Basis– It is formed through blood relations, marriage, or adoption.
3. Emotional Bond– Family members share love, care, affection, and emotional support with each other.
4. Common Residence – Usually, family members live together under one home and share daily life.
5. Economic Cooperation – Members work together and share resources to meet family needs and expenses.
6. Primary Social Institution– Family is the first place where a child learns values, culture, and behavior.
7. Reproductive Unit – Family is responsible for the birth and continuation of human generations.
8. Mutual Responsibility – Each member has roles and duties and supports other members in family life.
9. Dynamic Institution – Family changes over time due to social, economic, and cultural factors.
10. Socialization Agency – Family helps in the development of personality and social behavior of individuals.
Types of Family
Family can be classified into different types based on structure, authority, marriage, and residence.
A. Based on Structure
1. Nuclear Family : A nuclear family consists of husband, wife, and their unmarried children living together.
Explanation: It is a small and independent family with less members and more privacy.
2. Joint Family: A joint family consists of parents, children, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins living together.
Explanation:All members share common property, responsibilities, and live under one roof.
B. Based on Authority
1. Patriarchal Family : The father is the head of the family and holds decision-making power.
Explanation: He controls property, income, and major family decisions.
2. Matriarchal Family: The mother is the head of the family and has authority over family matters.
Explanation: She manages property, decisions, and family responsibilities.
C. Based on Marriage
1. Monogamous Family : One husband and one wife live together.
Explanation: It is the most common and legally accepted type of family.
2. Polygamous Family : A person has more than one spouse.
Explanation: It includes polygyny (one husband, multiple wives) and polyandry (one wife, multiple husbands).
D. Based on Residence
1. Patrilocal Family: After marriage, the wife lives in the husband’s house.
Explanation:The family residence is with the husband’s parents.
2. Matrilocal Family: After marriage, the husband lives in the wife’s house.
Explanation: The family residence is with the wife’s parents.
Types of family help us understand different family structures in society. For GNM nursing students, this knowledge is important for understanding patient background, social support, and care planning.
