Definition and features of family.
Define family. Discuss the features of family.
Definition and features of family.
Characteristics of family.
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Definition of family :-
Among the various social groups in society, the most important social group is the family. The family is the primary group and the basic unit of social formation. The existence of the family is observed at every stage of social evolution. The birth, growth, personality formation and socialization of the individual - etc. - all develop within the family. That is, the family is an essential institution in the formation of society.
While defining the family, Gisbert said - the family is an organic social unit in which its members live together and the biological relationship between husband and wife is regulated and takes a specific form.
Ogburn and Nimkoff said - the family is a relatively permanent and primary group formed on the basis of the biological and social relationship between husband and wife.
Kingsley Davis says - Family is a specific and small group formed on the basis of blood relationship and marital relationship between each other.
Locke and Burgess say - Family is a well-connected primary group bound by blood relationship, marital relationship or adoption.
Eliot and Merrill say - Family is an organic social unit consisting of husband - wife and children.
So family is a small social group living together which is formed on the basis of marriage, blood relationship and birth and within this group the individual fulfills most of his biological needs and family is one of the means of socialization of the individual.
Features / Characteristics of family:-
1. Universal existence: - The existence of the family system is observed at every level of social evolution. Along with social evolution, various changes have also occurred in the family system; but the existence of family is always present. At all times, in every social system of the world, the existence of a society without family cannot be imagined. Therefore, family is a universal organization.
2. Continuity: - Sociologists believe that the family system has existed since the beginning of society. Society is changing and with the evolution of society, the family system has changed at every level. Therefore, along with the continuous change in society, continuous changes can also be observed in the family. The family has changed at a constant pace and maintained its continuous character.
3. Small size: - Another characteristic of the family is its small and limited size. The family is limited only to its members. Members are determined by blood relationship, marital relationship or birth. In addition, adopted members are also considered as family members. The size of the family is small and limited because it is formed only with its own members.
4. Depth of relationship and emotional basis: - The closeness of the relationship between the family members is another significant characteristic of the family. Each member in the family is closely related to each other. Affection, love, responsibility, duty - etc. are inevitably associated with every family.
5. Selfless group: - The family is a selfless group. There is usually no relationship of interest between the family members. Everyone thinks about the interests of the family above their own interests. For example, parents raise their children completely selflessly. A person spends his life from birth to death in the family. A family is formed through the sacrifice of self-interest, affection, love and responsibilities of the members.
6. Primary and central group: - The basic unit of society is the family. A society is formed by the combination of different families. Therefore, the family is called the primary group. In addition, the family is a central institution of all social organizations. In every society, a family-centered tendency can be observed in the interaction between different social organizations.
7. Small version of society: - The family can be called a small version of society. It is within the family that each child receives the first knowledge of socialization. By learning the manners, customs, and social customs received from the family, the child can apply it in the larger society and participate in socialization. The child receives all social education within his family.
8. Responsibilities and duties of members: - Each member of every family has specific responsibilities and duties. If family members do not fulfill their responsibilities properly, it disrupts the interests of the family. Therefore, to protect family discipline and the interests of the family, women, men, children, and the elderly all perform their respective responsibilities.
9. Membership: - Membership of family members is both voluntary and involuntary. For example, if a child is born in the family, his membership is involuntary; because his will has no role in becoming a member of the family. Again, membership is voluntary in the case of marriage. Because the bride and groom enjoy freedom of will in establishing marital relations in a family.
10. Functions of the family: - The various social responsibilities and functions of the family are particularly noteworthy. Every family is responsible for society. Personality formation of the individual, socialization, participation in social interaction, economic productivity, creation of social discipline - etc. are important functions of the family.
Finally, it can be said that the structure, functions and characteristics of the family differ from country to country and from time to time and are subject to change. However, in all societies, at all times, the basic characteristics of the family do not change. Social relations gain legitimacy within the family and specific relationships are developed.
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