Module 2: The Family

Unit 3: How my Family

Functions
Form Three Social Studies
Term III 2019/2020 Online Learning
Objectives
In this unit, we review the functions of the family and discuss the various ways in which
different types of families have been impacted by the current pandemic.
At the end of this unit you should be able to:
Identify the main functions of the family
Describe how the family performs each of its respective functions
Identify and describe the characteristics of each type of family found in the Caribbean
Discuss how various family types may be impacted by the current pandemic as it relates
to the functions of the family as a unit
Discuss at least two ways in which families can safeguard themselves against the impact
of a crisis especially in terms of the current pandemic
Functions of The
Family
Functions of the Family
What are the functions of the family?
What is the most important thing your family does for you?
Chances are, that is directly related to the family’s functions.
Functions of the family refer to key roles the family plays in the
lives of it members and in society in general.
The family performs four main functions as follows:
1. Unit of procreation
2. Unit or socialization
3. An economic unit
4. An emotional unit
Functions of the Family
The family as a unit of procreation
Procreation also means reproduction.
Through the process of procreation the family serves to populate
society by reproducing more members.
Human beings have a fundamental need for sex. Within the family,
adult members in a union can express and satisfy their sex needs
without social disapproval.
The sexual behaviour of adult members is also regulated through the
formation of unions, especially in societies that practice monogamy.
What do you the words union and monogamy mean?
Functions of the Family
The family as an economic unit
As an economic unit, the family provides the basic needs of its members
such as the provision of food, clothing, recreation, books, medicine,
shelter, etc.
The basic needs of family members are met in different ways including:
1. the generation of income to pay for various goods and services which
the family needs
2. domestic work like cooking, cleaning and laundry
Note! This function of the family is not restricted to the parents in the
home.
What does your family do to provide you with your basic needs?
Functions of the Family
The family as an emotional unit
As an emotional unit, the family provides love, attention, affection,
care, support and security for its members.
This function of the family is very important because meeting the
emotional needs of family members is essential to their mental,
intellectual and social well-being.
The provision of quality care and attention, for example, helps
elderly people and those living with disabilities feel appreciated and
cared for and also helps children develop into emotionally intelligent
adults.
What does emotional intelligence mean?
Functions of the Family
The family as a unit of socialization / social unit
As a social unit, the family is responsible for:
1. The socialization of children ie. teaching them how to
behave in society. Through socialization, children gain basic
knowledge and skills, and are exposed to the attitudes,
systems of belief, habits, ideas and customs of their society.
They also learn values such as punctuality, respect, tolerance
and honesty, and are trained to assume certain social roles.
Socialization can include observing the behaviours of those
around you as well as direct training and the use of
disciplinary measures.
Functions of the Family
The family as a unit of socialization / social unit
As a social unit, the family is responsible for:
2. The provision of informal education for children ie. teaching
them basic skills and knowledge such as the alphabet and how to
count and encouraging learning by supporting the child throughout
the school years by providing material needed for school,
supervising homework and giving encouragement and advice where
possible.
3. The transmission of culture in society ie. passing on culture and
tradition from one generation to the next (usually by grand-parents).
How does your family contribute to your life as a social unit?
 Types of
Family
Click on the link
below to watch a
video on different
types of families:
https://
www.youtube.com
/watch?v=hpCyiyN
qzlE
Types of Family
What type of family do you live in?
Every culture and/or society has its own pattern(s) of family life. In the
Caribbean society alone there are many different family structures and
family dynamics that exist.
Click the link below to read a blog post about types of family:
https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/family/there-are-6-different-family-types-and-each-one-
has-a-unique-family-dynamic
/
Can you answer the following questions?
What are the main family types found in the Caribbean?
What are the characteristics (features) of each type of family?
What are the benefits and challenges of living in each type of family?
Types of Family in the
Caribbean
Nuclear Family
Consists of two parents (married or unmarried) and their unmarried
biological and/ or adopted children living together under the same roof.
Strengths:
◦ children’s emotional needs are met by both parents
◦ financially stability when both parents are gainfully employed
Challenges:
◦ less support from other relatives as they usually live away from each
other
◦ parents in nuclear families can become too child-focused, resulting in
self-centered children and parents neglecting other important things
Types of Family in the
Caribbean
Extended Family
Extends beyond just parents and children to include other family members.
Usually consists of three generations of the same family ie. grandparents;
parents, uncles/aunts and children living together under one roof.
Strengths:
◦ additional adults to provide care and support for children and elderly
members
◦ members of this family learn to value respect and care for the elderly
Challenges:
◦ conflict is more frequent due to the large size of many of these families
◦ there is usually a lack of privacy as persons usually have to share spaces
Types of Family in the
Caribbean
Single-parent Family
There is only one parent in close everyday contact with the children.
The other parent (usually the male) is absent as a result of: death, separation/
divorce, desertion/ abandonment, incarceration, migration or choice.
Strengths:
◦ family members develop closer relationships to each other and may learn to be
very resilient
◦ family members learn to share responsibilities
Challenges:
◦ one parent has to undertake all the parental roles and tasks which can put a
strain on that parent financially and otherwise
◦ children grow up in poverty and may engage in delinquent activities because
they do not have guidance and emotional support from both parents
Types of Family in the
Caribbean
Sibling Family
In this type of family, an older sibling assumes responsibility for the younger siblings
in the family because both parents are absent.
Usually emerges from single-parent households where the parent migrates in search
of work leaving the oldest child in charge, with another relative ‘casting an eye’
from time to time.
Strengths:
◦ children stay together rather than being split and sent to live in different homes
◦ children can become closer to each other and learn to be resilient
Challenges:
◦ the older siblings are forced to assume adult roles and responsibilities before they
are ready and may also have difficulty socializing and disciplining younger siblings
◦ children in sibling households may face poverty and may become delinquent
Types of Family in the
Caribbean
Step Family
Also known as the blended or reconstituted or reorganized family.
This family is formed when a man or woman moves in with a new spouse, and
one or both of these individuals bring(s) children from previous relationships.
Strengths:
◦ children have the benefits of having two parents in the home
◦ where both parents are gainfully employed, it is easier to meet the financial
needs of family members
Challenges:
◦ there may also be a lot of conflict, jealousy and rivalry among children in
the home
◦ parents may encounter difficulty disciplining each other’s children
Types of Family in the
Caribbean
Joint Family
The joint family is similar to the extended family, except in a
joint family there are no grandparents. It consists of parents,
uncles/ aunts and children.
In the Caribbean, this type of family is common among families
of Indian descent.
This type of family would experience the same benefits and
challenges as the extended family.
Activity!
How does COVID-19 impact different types of family?
Write your own blog post on the impact of COVID-19 on the family.
In your blog post, be sure to include the following:
◦ Overview of the functions of the family and a brief description of EACH type of
family
◦ ONE way in which the current pandemic impacts ONE type of family in terms of
its ability to perform its respective functions
◦ TWO ways in which members of the family can safeguard themselves against
the impact of the pandemic and continue to carry out the functions of the family

Note! Be sure to share your post on the Google Classroom portal titled
“COVID-19 & The Family blog posts”.