Chapter 3 The Family

Family Two or more people related by blood, marriage, or adoption who live together or Two or more people who have chosen to live together and share interests, roles, and resources Each family is unique in its style and makeup, with attachment and commitment binding members together

Family Functions Goals Functions Growth and development of its members Survival and personal fulfillment Establishment of values and governing rules Functions Physical maintenance Protection Nurturance Socialization and education Reproduction Recreation

Family Types Nuclear or Conjugal Family: also known as the traditional family; consists of a husband, a wife, and their children Extended Family: consists of the nuclear family plus grandparents, aunts, uncles, or cousins living together under the same roof Single-Parent Family: consists of an adult living with one or more children; in most cases, single parents are divorced, separated, or widowed. Blended or Reconstituted Family: created when one or both partners bring children from a previous marriage into the relationship

Family Types (continued) Cohabitative Family: a man and woman choosing to live together without the legal bonds of matrimony, but in all other ways this type of family resembles the nuclear or blended family Communal Family: consists of a group of people who have a common philosophy, value system, and goals, and who choose to live together, sharing roles and resources Foster or Adoptive Family: those who take temporary responsibility for raising a child other than their own Lesbian or Gay Family: two women or two men, with or without children

Family Stages Couple stage Childbearing stage Grown-child stage Older family stage

Factors That Affect the Family Family size Birth order Gender of children

Family Patterns In the authoritarian or autocratic family, parents usually make all decisions The authoritative or democratic family offers its members choices and encourages participation and individual responsibility The permissive or laissez-faire family offers its members complete freedom

Functional vs. Dysfunctional Families Foster growth and development Promote physical and social well-being Meet members’ needs Maintain stability Promote individuality Dysfunctional families Are unable to offer stability Have poor interpersonal skills Are unable to deal with stresses

Common Family Stresses Financial problems Parenting concerns and conflicts Illness Death Divorce Lack of time Unequal distribution of roles

Chapter Challenge Name three family types List common family stresses Describe measures to lessen family stress