Parsons – The two essential or irreducible functions of the family. According to Parsons, although the nuclear family performs reduced functions, it is still the only institution that can perform two core functions in society – Primary Socialisation and the Stabilisation of Adult Personalities.

He contributed to the field of sociological theory, particularly through his development of a “general theory of action.” Parsons spent most of his professional career at Harvard University, where he was affiliated with the various incarnations of the sociology department for thirty-two years.

Parsons also argued that families helped to prevent adults from behaving in disruptive or dysfunctional ways, instead encouraging them to conform to social norms, especially at times of stress. The family provides emotional support to its members. Parsons famously described this in his warm bath theory.

The Function of Families

• physical maintenance and care of family members;
• addition of new members through adoption or procreation;
• socialization of children;
• social control of its members;
• production, consumption and distribution of goods and services; and.
• affective nurturance (love).

The importance of family time has a bearing on the social and emotional maturity of children and establishes deep understanding among family members. A number of studies have recommended spending quality time with children as the first step to raising happy children who will make a positive contribution to society.

They help us create meaningful relationships in the outside world. The love we inherit from our families, we pass on to our independent relationships. Moreover, families teach us better communication. When we spend time with our families and love each other and communicate openly, we create a better future for us.

So, let’s get started!

1. Start with the interesting fact about your family.
2. Write a strong thesis statement.
3. Conduct research and provide the background information on your family; this kind of essay requires sharing some background information that really matters.
4. Write 3 paragraphs of the main body.

A family is a social group of people who stay together under the same roof in a society. It comprises two or more adults like parents and grandparents and young children who are bound in a relationship by birth or blood. They are collectively known as family members.

The primary function of the family is to ensure the continuation of society, both biologically through procreation, and socially through socialization. Given these functions, the nature of one’s role in the family changes over time.

It is a matter of obedience to a call within a relationship with God that is supremely over all. The plan and purpose of the family is to prepare every individual for a creative and spirit-filled life. In coming to know who we are in the family, we are better able to give ourselves in loving service to others.

The Bible reveals that family relationships are important to God. The church, the universal body of believers, is called the family of God. When we receive God’s Spirit at salvation, we are adopted into his family.

“Honor your father and mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” “Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.” “Honor your father and mother.”

One verse explicitly lays out what a husband should do upon saying “I do.” According to Ephesians 5:29, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”

1. “My husband must always come before our children.” A spouse’s needs should not come first because your spouse is an adult, capable of meeting his or her own needs, whereas a child is completely dependent upon you to meet their needs.

Mother-in-law conflict may have arisen due to increased competition for resources among women and their daughters-in-law. Today, this type of conflict is rare, but mothers-in-law may still perceive that they are competing with their daughters-in-law for the time and attention of their sons.