Defining the Canadian Family

What creates a family and makes each family unique

Family is a Social InstitutionSocial Institutions (aka structures) are created

to satisfy a particular social need. Examples are:Family EconomicsPolitics EducationSports Religion

The family however is viewed as the most important of all social institutions. (note)

The family is very difficult to define, but every society has its own social institution of family. (note)

In three words only ...

What form/shape does the Canadian family take?

How does the family make one feel?What value are families to greater society?What is a family responsible for?What activities do families do?

Tell us your answers ......... and why you chose the words you used

Riddle me this…I am a member of two families, but you are a member of one.

Families may be defined by their function

Family – Orientation for ParentFamily – Procreation for Parent

Oma + Opa

Dad

Gram + Gramps Mom

YOU

Family – Orientation for Child (you)

Defining The Family Family means different things to different people.

Families comes in all shapes and sizes.

Families may be defined by how they are created: (note)

Family of Orientation- the one into which you are born and nurtures you

Family of Procreation – the one you will create and nurture.

Why discuss the family?The best way of understanding the course and its intent is to first study family and understand what creates them and makes each one unique. Why they are important and how they contribute to society.…..and what our role is in supporting them

The Typical FamilyThen Now

How would you define family?Individually create a definition of family.

Partner up; share and re-develop your definition.

Family (note)

According to the Vanier Institute of the Family

Any combination of two or more persons

Family (note)

According to the Vanier Institute of the Family

who are bound together over time by ties of mutual consent,

Family(note)

According to the Vanier Institute of the Family

birth and/or adoption or placement.

Families are the foundation of society – much like the bricks that form a brick wall.

If the bricks are cracked and crumbly, no matter how well the wall is constructed, maintained or mortared the wall will eventually fall down.

So what are families all about?If the bricks

(family) are well built and sturdy, with strong foundations, then the wall (society) will stand strong and endure.

What do families do?Families are responsible for certain

“functions” that ensure the health, wealth and growth of their membership.

If these functions are carried out in an effective and positive manner than the family will be “functional” --- families that struggle with any area of these functions may be considered “dysfunctional”.

Functions of a Family Physical Maintenance & Care – provide the basic necessities such as shelter, clothing and food

Emotional Nurturance – love and provide emotional support for family members

Addition of new members – having children for next generation, expands families, strengthens and renews society

Functions of a FamilyEconomic Function – provide financial support

of family through the work, purchase and sharing of goods and services

Recreation & Entertainment – provide a variety of activities that enhance the lifestyle of members

Transmission of Culture– transmit societal culture from one generation to the next through:

Discipline – social control of membersMorals and values of society – role modelingWork Ethics – expectation to participate in

society

What do families do? (note)

Families are responsible for certain “functions” that ensure the health, wealth and growth of their membership.

If these functions are carried out in an effective and positive manner than the family will be “functional” --- families that struggle with any area of these functions may be considered “dysfunctional”.

In-class AssignmentCreate an acrostic poem

that defines for you the word:

FAMILYBe creative --- make it

visually attractive