THE FUNCTIONS OF THE FAMILYIn the Contemporary Caribbean

Society

Following are some of the most important functions of the family. It must be stressed that the functions mentioned here are not exhaustive, neither are they performed by all families. The functions mentioned are ideally what they should be in each family. It does not necessarily follow that all families perform these functions.

AS A UNIT OF PROCREATION The reproduction of the population in

order for societies to survive.

Ensures the continuation of the human species.

Satisfaction of sex needs within marriage with out social disapproval.

AS A SOCIAL UNIT FOR REARING CHILDREN- SOCIALIZATION OF THE INDIVIDUAL Socialization is the process by which a

person learns to behave through certain disciplines such as punctuality, respect, accept social roles and perform certain skills.

The family provides the child with its earliest set of concepts, values, knowledge and skills.

AS AN ECONOMIC UNIT One of the most important functions of

the family is the economic function.

Parents in most cases are the sole breadwinner.

They bring money into the family to satisfy basic wants of food, clothing, shelter, recreation, books, medicine, etc.

AS A SOCIAL UNIT FOR SATISFYING EMOTIONAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL NEEDS The provides an island of love, affection and security to its members.

Important to the mental, intellectual and social well-being for all concerned.

Children need proper and adequate amounts of love, attention and affection in order to develop healthy, stable personalities.

AS A UNIT OF CULTURAL TRANSMISSION Culture refers to the way of life of a

society. The beliefs, customs, habits, ideas etc

The family’s role is to pass on culture from generation to generation.

EDUCATIONAL FUNCTION Parents contribute to the informal

education of the child.

Their first words, counting andreading are some basic skills they learn.

Supervise homework, give encouragement and advice and offer assistance where necessary.