Sociology

Family as an in institution

A group of related kin linked by the blood , marriage and adoption , who occupy a common household and cooperate economically

 

Functions of family

•       Child bearing

This is an important condition for the existence and continuity of any society.

•       Child rearing

The family is the main provider of proper care (food, shelter, clothing, love, affection etc)

•       Socialization

The family is responsible for ensuring that the child

Acquires the values, norms and customs of its people.

•       Education

The family is responsible for the education of its members

•       Economic function

The family provides economic needs for the members eg food, shelter clothing etc.

•       Emotional and psychological support

The family provide moral, love, affection etc

•       Regulation of sexual behaviour

Cultural values of society, standards of sexual behaviour and clearly defined within the family circle.

 

Types of Family

•       Monogamous family

Consists of one husband and one wife at a time and their children. It is nuclear and does not include the relatives of these members.

•       Manandrous family

This is when a woman marries one man. The woman is in control of the household and the children belong to her.

•       Polygamous family

A man marries more than one wife. The man has control over the members and the household. Common in African societies.

•       Polyandrous family

The woman maries several men at a time and they belong to her domain. She controls them.

•       Group family

This is where by arrangement a group of men marry a group of women. When the children grow up, they have sexual relations within the groups. Eg the Aiyetoro community of Ondo state in Nigeria.

•       Extended family

Includes parents, their children, aunties, uncles, grandparents and great grandparents.