HHS4U Unit 1: An Approach to the

study of Individuals & Families

Different Family Forms & Functions of the
Family
Family Forms
Basic Terms used in the Sociology of the Family
Nuclear
Extended
Blended, Recombined, Reconstituted (Step-
family)
Childless
Lone-parent/Single-parent
Cohabitating Couples/Common-law marriages
Same-sex
Why study families?
1. To provide a broader view of family life other
than our own;
2. To correct the fallacies and distortions that
persist;
3. To focus on the normal aspects of family life
rather than the unusual or atypical
4. To recognize the family as a hub of society
around which other institutions and groups
revolve
Why study families? (Contd)
5. To learn more about the contribution of
family life to human development;
6. To adopt valid plans and policies for
future family situations in a given home,
community or nation;
7. To have an enhanced understanding of
your own life experiences.
Connecting Individuals, Families and
Society
All societies have families
You were born in a family, raised in a family,
and will likely form your own family
Together,
Families make up neighbourhoods
Neighbourhoods make up communities
Communities make up cities
Cities make up provinces and states, etc

Connecting Individuals, Families, and
Society
Functional Requisites basic functions
needed for survival and to make society
work
In this small group, they share a commitment
to co-operate in order to survive
Therefore, families supervise the behaviour
of individuals in ways that other institutions
cannot
In turn, other society groups support
families: such as government, education, and
healthcare
Defining the Family
Definitions reflect
The actual nature of families (Theoretical)
The desirable nature of families as described in
the social policies of that culture (Functional)

Why are definitions important?
They are used in social policy, for example,
determines who qualifies for benefits, who is
responsible for children, etc.
Defining the Family
Any combination of two or more persons
who are bound together over time by ties
of mutual consent, birth and/or adoption,
or placement and who, together, assume
responsibilities for the functions of the
family

Vanier Institute of the Family
Defining the Family 2
A now-married couple (with or without
never-married sons and/or daughters of
either or both spouses), a couple living
common-law (again with or without never-
married sons and/or daughters of either or
both partners), or a lone-parent of any
marital status, with at least one never-
married son or daughter living in the same
dwelling.

Statistics Canada

Functions of the Family
The Family Serves 6 Functions in Society
1. Addition of new members
2. Physical care of members
3. Socialization of children
4. Social control of members
5. Affective nurturance love
6. Production and consumption of goods and
services

The Vanier Institute of the Family
1) Addition of New Members
Families have children through birth, adoption
and may also use the help of fertility clinics

Benefits to Canadian society:
Increases population
Stronger economy (increased demand for goods
and services)
2) Physical care of members
Bathing children, feeding family, taking older
parents to appointments
Benefits to Canadian society:
Individuals within the population stay healthy
Members will be able to contribute to society
3) Socialization of children
Teaching children language, taking them to
school, helping with homework, taking
children to cultural activities, church, etc.
Benefits to Canadian society:
- Individuals will acquire the skills,
knowledge, values, and attitudes consistent
with employability and citizenship expectations
- People will be educated, find careers, have
their own families, earn money
4) Social control of members
Teaching children right from wrong (discipline
and moral development)
Benefits to Canadian Society:
Individuals will obey the laws of society and
country
5) Affective nurturance - lave
Family members provide emotional comfort
and support
Benefits to Canadian society
Individuals will care for others in society
Individuals will develop strong relationships and
raise their own families
6) Production and consumption of
goods and services
Parents or guardians earn money through
work/careers, perform household chores, pay
bills, buy food and clothing, provide shelter,
pay for activities and services
Benefits to Canadian society:
Parents provide for their families
Families contribute to the economy

How the Social Sciences study the
Family
The Social Sciences
Aim to describe, predict, and explain
The Scientific Method
The social sciences investigate human
thought and behaviour in a systematic
manner
The scientific method is a standardized
procedure for investigating and
communicating findings
Family Studies
An interdisciplinary study integrating:
Psychology
Anthropology
Sociology

Interdisciplinary studies are efficient
because they examine issues from several
perspectives, which form a more
complete picture