Grade 10 Family

INDIVIDUAL, FAMILY AND SOCIETY
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
1. Explain and use correctly concepts and terms associated with the family as listed in content
2. Describe the major functions of the family;
3. Compare different family types and unions in the Caribbean;
What is family in society?

In all human societies the family is a primary social unit, and as an institution the family is older
than that of religion or state.
A family is a group of people who are related to each other (especially parents and their children)
,adoption, living under the same roof / domestic unit /household.
FUNCTIONS OF A FAMILY
Individuals within the family perform certain functions to satisfy needs and foster
relationships among members. The functions of the family in contemporary Caribbean society
are :
1. Biological
*Legitimizes the mating relationship ad satisfies the couple’s sexual needs.
* As a unit of procreation; reproduction of the species (thereby enabling the continuation of the
human race)
2. Social
*. As a social unit for rearing children, namely, the socialisation of the individual; an ongoing
life process by which we are taught and learn the acceptable patterns of behaviour and the culture
of society.
* Teaches different skills and disciplines which are essential for us to become functional
members of society.
3. Emotional
* provides the love, care and attention necessary
* provides emotional security for the young , the old, the sick, disabled in the family, letting
them know there is someone who loves and cares about them.
* as a social unit for satisfying emotional and psychological needs.
4. Cultural
* Transmits the traditions, the way of life, customs and beliefs from one generation to the other.
* Maintains links with our forefathers.
5. Economic/Financial
* . as an economic unit for satisfying basic needs; food, clothing , shelter
* Shows children how to budget
* Teaches children about financial responsibilities.
6. Educational
* Provides the basic early education children receive
* Assist children throughout the school years.
Differences in family types/systems and structures found in the Caribbean:

1. Nuclear families, also known as traditional families, consist of two parents (usually married
or common law) and their children. Nuclear families may have one or more children who are
biological or adopted, but the main idea is that the parents are raising their kids together in the
family home.
Advantage of Nuclear Family

 Financially stable, both parents usually work now
 Children raised in a stable parenting situation
 Consistency
 Emphasis on health and education
 Focus on communication
Weaknesses of Nuclear Families:
 Exclusion of extended family can lead to isolation and stress
 Can struggle with conflict resolution
 Nuclear families can become too child-focused, resulting in self-centered children and
families neglecting other important things
2. Single parent family; The single parent family consists of one parent raising one or more
children on his own. In these cases, the parents either never married, is widowed, or divorced.
Strengths of Single-Parent Families:
 Family members can become very close
 Learn to share household duties
 Children and parents can become very resilient
Weaknesses of Single-Parent Families:
 Families struggle to get by on one income; some are on social assistance
 It can be difficult for parents to work full-time and still afford quality childcare
 Parenting can be inconsistent, especially if kids go back and forth between parents
3. Extended Family. This family comprises three or more generations living under the same
roof, or in a family compound, having close or continuous contact with one another. Extended
families are families with two or more adults who are related through blood or marriage, usually
along with children
Strengths of Extended Families:
 Things like respect and care for the elderly are important
 More family around to help with chores, child care, in case of emergencies, etc.
 Social support
Weaknesses of Extended Families:
 Financial issues can occur if parents are supporting several other adults and children
without any extra income
 Lack of privacy depending on the living environment
(b) A joint family is an extended family that consists of at least three generations and their
spouses. All these family members live together in one household. Joint families are especially
common in India.
4. Blended Family When a nuclear family ends up divorcing and marrying someone else, the
new family is called a blended or step family. Stepmoms, stepdads, stepbrothers, step sisters, and
other members
Strengths of Stepfamilies:
 Children get the benefit of having two parents around

 Children and their new siblings or step-parents can form strong bonds
 Benefit of having two incomes compared to single parent families
Weaknesses of Stepfamilies:
 Adjustment can be difficult for parents and children

 . Parents can run into problems trying to discipline each other's kids
 . May lack discipline or be inconsistent
5. Sibling Household A sibling household consists of children living by themselves due to the
death of their parents or as a result of their parents abandoning them. The eldest usually is the
most responsible individual and he or she works and provides for the younger children.
The advantages of a sibling household are
 The child lives with his own family members. He/she does not feel the absence of
parents much. He/she feels secure in the company of his/her siblings.
 The child imitates the moral values imbibed by his siblings and learns them.
 The affection and love developed during initial stages of life is the foundation of
later relationships amongst siblings.
 The child learns motor, language, social skills under the encouragement and
guidance of his/her older siblings
Disadvantages of sibling household are
 The older siblings usually of young age and do not have enough experience to
take care of children.
 Some sort of emergency such as in the case of minor accident or when the child is
ill older siblings cannot do much to help the younger sibling(s).
 Older siblings remain uneducated since they have to take care of their younger
siblings.
 If the siblings are not grown up then the older siblings cannot guide the younger
siblings properly.
Unions – IN THE CARIBBEAN
Visiting relationships, consensual or common law, monogamy, legal marriage.

Grade 10 Family

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Grade 10 Family

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Grade 10 Family

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

INDIVIDUAL, FAMILY AND SOCIETY

What is family in society?

Differences in family types/systems and structures found in the Caribbean:

Advantage of Nuclear Family

 Children get the benefit of having two parents around

 Adjustment can be difficult for parents and children

Unions – IN THE CARIBBEAN

Visiting relationships, consensual or common law, monogamy, legal marriage.

You might also like