Question- What are the Features of the Family?

Answer -

Family is the basic unit of social organization. It displays certain specific features or characteristics which are as follows :

(1) Universality : Family as a social unit is universal. There is not a single society in this universe where family is not found. The reason for its universality is that it performs many functions which are indispensable for the individual and society. The biological, economic, social and psychological functions are performed by the family so efficiently and simultaneously that it has become indispensable for everyone. In fact, society has not been able to find any alternative association which performs so many functions at one time with so much selfless devotion.

(2) Emotional Basis : Family members emotionally bound to each other. They provide love, care and protection to each other and are ready to make sacrifices for the welfare of family members.

(3) Limited Size : A family is basically made up of a husband, wife and their unmarried children. It is a small group and its membership is confined to those who are related by either marriage or blood ties. Large families are getting fewer and fewer day-by-day.

(4) Nuclear Position in Social Structure : Family is regarded as basic, nuclear or fundamental to all social groupings. In the simpler as well as in the advanced societies, the whole social structure i.e., stable set of social relations, is built largely regulations.

(5) Social Regulations : Family is run according to social norms. Its members are trained to follow social norms and customs in the process of socialization. Inter-relationships and interactions among family members are guided by social and legal regulations.

(6) Its Permanent and Temporary Nature : The family institution is enduring and universal. But an individual family lasts till the husband and wife are together. After their demise or divorce, new families of their sons and daughters perpetuate the family name and tradition and the cycle goes on.

Apart from the above mentioned distinctive characteristics, there are certain general characteristics of the family which are mentioned below :

(1) Mating Relationship : A family is born when a man and woman get married according to prescribed social norms. Marriage allows husband and wife to enter into socially approved sexual union to satisfy their sex-instinct. Satisfaction of this basic instinct is imperative for a healthy living.

(2) Common Habitation : Family members usually share a common residence in which husband, wife, their children and other relatives live together.

(3) Reckoning of Descent : Family is basically a bilateral grouping made up of husband, wife and relatives on both sides. But, the children inherit either father’s name and property or mother’s name and property, depending on the local tradition.

(4) Economic System : Every family makes provision to look after the economic needs of its members. Usually, the elders of the family take up jobs and earn money to meet economic requirements of all the family members. Provision is also made for looking after the old and the sick members of the family.

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