The Importance Of A Family Unit

1247 Words3 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Importance of family

A family unit is very important. It’s only natural for a person to want to establish a family once they are older. Every family unit is different. You have family units that consist of children, some consist of only animals, same-sex parents, and adoptive/foster parents. Regardless of the characteristic differences, religion, and beliefs all families are unique and special in their own way. Each family member plays a vital role in the family unit and each role is just as important as the other. Even though models of families are reforming and developing, there isn’t a model which appears to be more acceptable than the other. The nuclear family is perceived as the most successful family by society and the fact that most families do not follow the model of the nuclear family is blamed on other social issues by society. However, problems and successes associated with different types of families is a result of the people in those families, but not the family type itself. (Lamanna & Riedmann, 2012) illustrates how different types of families are formed and classified under different categories; nuclear family, adoptive family, foster family, extended family, single parent …show more content…

Diversification in the family unit is increasing and becoming the new social norm (Kumar, 2017). With many children coming from different families and backgrounds, there is no such things as uncommon families anymore. Blended or step-families can be classified into two categories: Simple step families and complex step families. A simple stepfamily only consists of one step-parent, where all the siblings are biologically the children of the absent parent. A complex blended family consist of both parents having children from a previous conjugal union, which also includes children conjoined couple conceived together (Lamanna and Riedmann,

Show More
Related

  • Applying the Sociological Imagination to Sole-parent Familes

    1346 Words  | 3 Pages

    Families are becoming more diverse and they come in all shapes and sizes. Some people consider families to be strictly biological, while others consider people they love to be their family. Although two-parent families, also known as a nuclear family are the majority, one-parent families are becoming more common in today’s society. A sole-parent is considered to be a parent without a partner or spouse who is the primary care giver of one or more children in a household (Ministry of Social Development, 2010). From the age of 14 onward I was raised by m...

    Read More

  • Blended Family Essay

    1146 Words  | 3 Pages

    In attempting to understand the blended family system, one would be remised if we did not first look at, and understand primarily what a family system dynamic is. Unfortunately, this is a theory that once had very clear cut lines; today those lines are a little burred and more subjective than ever before. Given that the family is an ever changing system with fluid boarders, this author will illustrate some finite distinctions that may separate the typical family system from a blended family system. Family systems have been studied since psychologists began studying people and their behaviors.

    Read More

  • How Divorce is Affecting the American Culture

    1994 Words  | 4 Pages

    Over the past decades, the patterns of family structure have changed dramatically in the United States. The typical nuclear family, two married parents with children living together in one household, is no longer the structure of the majority of the families today. The percentage of single-parent families, step-families and adopted families has increased significantly over the years. The nuclear family is a thing of the past. Family situations have tremendous influence upon a child’s academic achievement, behavior and social growth.

    Read More

  • Society's Changing Attitude about the Traditional Family Model

    1857 Words  | 4 Pages

    Traditional family in today’s society is rather a fantasy, a fairy tale without the happy ending. Everyone belongs to a family, but the ideology that the family is built around is the tell tale. Family structures have undeniably changed, moving away from the conventional family model. Nowadays more mothers work outside of the home, more fathers are asked to help with housework, and more women are choosing to have children solo. Today there are families that have a mom and a dad living in the same home, there are step-families, and families that have just a mother or just a father. Probably the most scrutinized could be families that consist of two moms or two dads. These are all examples of families and if all members are appropriately happy and healthy then these families are okay and should incontestably be accepted. So why is the fantasy of the traditional family model still so emphasized in our society? This expectation is degrading and misleading. Progressing with times one ought not be criticized or shunned for being true to their beliefs. It is those living falsely, living as society thinks they should that are the problem. Perhaps as a society, if there were more focus and concern for happiness and peace within ones family and fewer worries for the neighbor then there would be less dilemma.

    Read More

  • Society Must Redefine the Meaning of Family

    1195 Words  | 3 Pages

    Society seems to have many different opinions when it comes to relationships and families and what is ideal. The ideal family may not exist anymore. We now have in our society families that are complete that do not necessarily contain the traditional material. The traditional family, as society would see it; usually consist of a married, mother and father and usually children. Moms are supposed to stay at home while dads work the forty-hour a week job. However, in our 2003 world, families exist in a lot of non-traditional ways. A lot of families now consist of single parent families, or same sex parents and their children, or even couples that are unmarried but live together. And even now, if a family contains what society sees as traditional as far as having a mom, dad, and kids, other aspects are not traditional anymore. Women now have more opportunity in the workplace than they have ever had, therefore, many moms are career moms and dads are sometimes staying at home. Years ago, these types of families were given labels for being dysfunctional or abnormal, however, this label is not holding up as well as it did years ago. There are many non-traditional families that are raising children in a loving, nurturing home with a substantial amount of quality love. Quality is the key in any relationship between anyone. Society is finding out that it is not the traditional image that makes a loving family, but the quality of a relationship that people give to each other is what really makes a family. In the essay "The Myth of the "Normal" Family", written by Lousie B. Silverstein and Carl F. Auerbach, they make references to the cultural idea of what a "normal" family should be and what i...

    Read More

  • Sociological Theories and the Family

    1721 Words  | 4 Pages

    The sociological definition of the family is “a set of people related by blood, marriage or some other agreed-upon relationship, or adoption, who share the primary responsibility for reproduction and caring for members of society” (Schaeffer, 2009, p. 288). While the nuclear family (a man, a woman, and their children) was once the primary definition of family, now it refers to many familial configurations. Single-parent families, blended families, same-sex couples, traditional nuclear families and single-parents who have adopted are just a few of the configurations that society in general now views as a family. A healthy family will provide a place of unconditional love, acceptance and support.

    Read More

  • The Trials and Effects of Blended Families

    1105 Words  | 3 Pages

    A blended family is typically seen as one of divorce, or widow, and remarriage with or without kids. These types of family systems tend to face more unique challenges than most. They face struggles such as the trauma of divorce, children getting used to a new parent that has not always been around, and new siblings that have not always been around. This can cause added stress to an already stressed family system. Socioeconomic status plays a role in every family. However, in blended families is can play a more prominent role. Marrying up or down in socioeconomic status, losing an income, adding an income, and marrying out of financial necessity can all have a profound impact on the development of not only the children involved but the family as a whole.

    Read More

  • The Importance Of Family

    1274 Words  | 3 Pages

    Family has played an intricate role in the development of the society in which we live. The diversity in which families are formed is now becoming even more diverse with the American culture, which is changing at a rapid pace. Diverse cultures coupled with social economic challenges are key contributors to the dramatic change to the institution of family. With these challenges facing the institution of family, this closely tightknit unit which has been the cornerstone of American society has diminishing from a traditional standpoint. Non-kinship family networks like the one described in Karen V. Hansen’s “The Cranes, An Absorbent Safety Net,” goes against the norm of the common institution of family within America. Although the Crane family

    Read More

  • What Is Stepfamilies And Why Is It Important To Get Kids Belonging?

    500 Words  | 1 Pages

    Such a situation occurs when the stepfamily is successful. On the other hand, the same family can be a disappointment, especially when members of the established stepfamily fail to get along. A stepfamily is composed of members who have substantial differences. Although such families are actively established by parents, children are key determinants of success (Bray & Kelly, 2001). A stepfamily is likely to collapse if the children from either partner fail to live in

    Read More

  • Blended Families Vs Non Traditional Families Essay

    957 Words  | 2 Pages

    Many families are now blended families, a combination of a man and woman with children formed together or from previous relationships and marriages. Or they may even be composed of a same sex couple and adopted or surrogate children. Couples may or may not be married, but are living under the same roof and under the same condition of marriage, without the formality of a legal marriage. In the future, the number of these blended family households is likely to increase as more people view marriage as an added complication or their already busy lives.

    Read More

  • Family: The Most Important Functions Of Family

    1652 Words  | 4 Pages

    What do you personally believe are the most important functions of family? Why or why not be specific. The most important functions I will say is social unit. This shows a person from a child to adult what it means to be part of society. There not just one specific function that makes a perfect family. There are many factors that help make a better family. According to www.hrsbstaff.ednet.ca_of_the_family.htm “ A functional family is one in which family members fulfill their agreed upon roles and responsibilities, treat each other with respect and affection, and meet each other needs. To better understand family functions Talcott Parson a sociologist stated “that the main functions of the family were, “ to ensure that new babies actually

    Read More

  • The Family As A Social Institution

    3202 Words  | 7 Pages

    In order for society to meet the basic social needs of its members, social institutions, which are not buildings, or an organization or even people, but a system whose of social norms, mores and folkways that help make people feel important. Social institutions, according to our textbook, is defined as a fundamental component of this organization in which individuals, occupying defined statues, are “regulated by social norms, public opinion, law and religion” (Amato 2004, p.961). Social institutions are meant to meet people’s basic needs and enable the society to survive. Because social institutions prescribe socially accepted beliefs, values, attitudes and behaviors, they exert considerable social control over individuals.

    Read More

  • Essay On The Word Family

    1439 Words  | 3 Pages

    A stepfamily occurs when parent’s divorce and later remarry bringing children from the previous marriage together to form a new family. In the twenty-first century, a stepchild is considered part of the immediate familial household when the biological parent is detached from the child but the stepparent is available. This is one type of non-traditional family. While they may not be traditional they can be equally supportive and caring. Multigenerational families are a group of relatives that live together and share in the household chores. Many families are now opting to move senior parents into their own homes instead of a retirement community because the bonds that have been generated throughout life help the seniors state of mind. A complex family has three or more adults living in the same household plus their children. This can happen through divorce and remarriage and through polygamy in countries where polygamy is legal. Adults that for various reasons cannot have children bring a child into their home to love and care for or one parent can legally adopt the biological child of the other parent. This is considered an adopted family and while there may be no blood relation it still has legal viability. Fosterage is also a branch of adoption where a family will temporarily bring another child into their home until more permanent

    Read More

  • Family Essay: The Importance Of Family

    706 Words  | 2 Pages

    Everyone seems to define family differently, however, the significance of family is the same. For you, family means everything. You can always count on your parents and siblings for help and love. Family is very valuable and important to you and should never be taken for granted. No one can deny that family is the foundation of our generation. A family is where we all start our life journey and helps us grow to be successful throughout our lives.

    Read More

  • Examples Of Together We Have It All Essay

    1008 Words  | 3 Pages

    According to Dictionary.com, family is a basic social unit consisting of parents and children living together in a household, or all the descendants of a common ancestor. My family is much more than just the people I live with. I live with my boyfriend and son, and they are my immediate family. I don’t limit my family to just my boyfriend and son. I have my mom, brother, grandma, grandpa, and etc. that I may not live with, but I see them regularly and we are all very close. Also, family isn’t just blood related. I have a few friends and co-workers that I consider my family, and I would do anything for them. My family (friends and blood relatives) is one of a kind. We have great and terrible times when we’re all together. There’s always laughter, inappropriate jokes, foul language, and food. I don’t have one memory that doesn’t involve food; we live to eat no matter the occasion. In every family there is good times, bad situations, and ugly memories.

    Read More

More about The Importance Of A Family Unit

Open Document