Family Structures: Evolution, Types, and Functions
Anthropologists and sociologists have developed several theories on the evolution of family structures and functions. According to these theories, in the most primitive societies, there were two or three households, often linked by kinship, who traveled together throughout the year but scattered when food was scarce. The family was an economic unit: men hunted while women gathered and prepared food and cared for the children. A similar hypothesis was made by Engels, who argued that what society calls “civilization” is a process focused on the organization of families, which evolved from the primitive to the modern form as a way to accumulate wealth, but not by society but as individuals.
Evolution of Family Structures
The Horde: Man and woman come together for purposes of procreation, foraging, and defense. Its members are unaware of family ties, and the paternity of children is unknown.
Matriarchy: The relationship is defined by the mother. The woman-mother is the center of family life and sole authority.
Patriarchy: The authority gradually passed from mother to father, and the relationship is recognized by the paternal line.
Extended Family: It is based on blood ties, including parents, children, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nephews, cousins, and others.
Nuclear Family: Also called “Marriage,” it is composed of father, mother, and children. Family ties are defined by blood, affinity, and adoption. Usually, both parents work outside the home. Both men and women seek fulfillment as whole persons. The educational role of the family is transferred in part or totally to the school, and the role of instilling values, attitudes, and habits is not always assumed by parents due to lack of time, economic resources, ignorance, and apathy.
The Family: Concept and Basic Needs
The family is a group of people united by kinship, whether by blood, marriage, or adoption, who live together for an indefinite period. It is the basic unit of society. This family meets the basic needs of people, such as eating and sleeping. In addition, it lavishes love, affection, and protection and prepares children for adult life, working with their integration into society. Family union provides its members emotional stability, social, and economic support. This is where individuals learn early to talk, to listen, learn, and develop their rights and duties as human beings.
Functions of the Family
The functions of the family are:
- Biological function: It satisfies man’s and woman’s sexual appetite and facilitates human reproduction.
- Educational function: Early on, children are socialized in terms of habits, feelings, values, behaviors, and so on.
- Economic role: Meeting the basic needs like food, shelter, health, and clothing.
- Development function: Developing affection for others, evaluating mutual aid, and providing assistance to others.
- Protective function: Providing security and care to children, the disabled, and the elderly.
Kinship, Affinity, and Adoption
Kinship is the link between the descendants of a common progenitor (parent, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, etc.).
Affinity is the link that comes with marriage and relationships with a spouse’s relatives (mother, daughter, sister, etc.).
Adoption originates a link between the adoptee and the adoptive parents.