The family is the genesis of all societies. It is our most basic economic, political, and social unit. It is within the family unit that individuals first learn the value of work and the worth of their possessions. It is within the family that individuals first experience authority, cooperation, and governance.
The Family
Families teach individuals how to relate to and treat one another. Families provide an appropriate space for nurturing, growth, and education. They are the first schools where social and emotional skills are acquired.
Furthermore, families provide an invaluable service to society. In fact, without families, society as we know it could disappear (Mehrotra, 2005). Each unit within every nation, ethnic group, or society differs and so too fashions who we become.
What is a family?
Mehrotra’s argument describes the physical and formal composition of a family. He states that the family unit includes a mother, a father, children, possibly grandparents, or other members of the extended family.
The role of each member is often defined by gender.
The man is considered responsible for the material well-being of his wife, their children, and elderly dependents. The woman is considered responsible for the emotional and spiritual welfare of the family unit.
Functions of a Family
Although families differ in form according to society, they nevertheless are responsible for conducting similar functions. The primary function of the family is to reproduce society, either biologically, socially, or both. Additionally, family functions are universal, in that families throughout the world are expected to perform these functions for the benefit chiefly of their members and the community.
For more information on The Caribbean Family, get a copy of the book, which is available at online book retailers.
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About the writer:
Denise N. Fyffe is a published author of over 40 books, for more than ten years and enjoys volunteering as a Counselor. She is a trainer, publisher, author, and writing mentor; helping others to achieve their dreams.
Check out her book The Caribbean Family
The family is the genesis of all societies. Every culture has its distinct rules by which a family is governed, and the Caribbean family is no exception. Those rules differ within each group; for the Indians, Chinese, and Africans. Making up most of the population in the Caribbean, African families have spawned several sub-units or types; some of which are unique to the African culture. This book explores each family type and their history within the Caribbean.
Available at all online book retailers and Amazon.com
Jamaica Pen Publishers 