Functions of the Family:
Family is the most important primary group in society. It is an outstanding primary group,
because the child develops its basic attitudes in the family. Family, as a social institution
performs several functions.
Maclver classifies its functions into two types: (1) Essential or primary and (2) non-essential or
secondary.
Essential / Primary Functions
The essential functions of family are:
(1) Stable Satisfaction of Sex need:
This is the Primary and essential function of family. Sex instinct is the natural urge of human
being. The satisfaction of this need requires that both male and female should live together as life
partners. It is the family where the husband and wife can satisfy their sex instincts easily and
comfortably. Without family the satisfaction of sex need is almost socially quite impossible. A
family not only satisfies but also provides the appropriate mechanism through marriage to
regulate sexual behavior of husband and wife.
(2) Reproduction or procreation:
Reproduction or procreation is another essential function of family. The family along with
regulating the sexual behavior in relation to the satisfaction of sexual needs secures a legitimate
basis for procreation. Since the inception of family, it has been performing this fundamental
function. This function of family contributes to the continuity of family and ultimately
perpetuates the human race as a whole.
(3) Protection and care of the young:
Protection and care of the children is another essential function of family. It is regarded as an
institution par excellence for the production and rearing of children. It is true that no other
institution can take required care of the child like family. The child at birth is complete helpless
and cannot survive at all without the help of the family. It is the family which provides care,
protection, security (Physical, mental) and fulfills all other needs to make him fit in the society.
(4) Socializing Functions:
Family is one of the primary agents of socialization. Family members teach the child the norms,
value morals, beliefs and ideals of society. In the family the children first learn what is good and
bad, what is right and wrong. They develop specific habits, traits of character, attitudes and
values. The senior members of the family pass the family culture to the new generation thought
socialization process. Thus, family acts an instrument of culture transmission.
(5) Provision of a home:
Family makes a provision of a home or a common habitation for its members. Here both husband
and if live together for procreation, protection and care of the children. It is a place of
multifarious activities. All the members of the family depend on home for comfort, protection
and peace. It is that institution which provides the mental or the emotional satisfaction. Members
of the family exchange their love, sympathy and affection among themselves.
Non-essential / Secondary Functions
The non-essential functions of family are:
(1) Economic function:
The family fulfills the economic needs of its members. This has been traditional function of
family. Family fulfills all the economic needs of its members such as food, clothing, shelter etc.
The goods required by its members are produced at home.
(2) Educational function:
Mazzin says, "The first lesson of child is learnt between mother's kiss and father's care". Family
is regarded as the first school of children. The family provides the basis for the child's formal
learning and gives the child his basic training in the social attitudes and habits.
(3) Religious function:
The family is a centre for the religious training of the children. The family used to teach the
children the religious values, moral precepts etc. It is through the family the religious inheritance
is passed on to the next generation.
(4) Recreational functions:
Family is the centre of recreation. It serves as a centre of all recreational activities like singing,
dancing, playing indoor games etc. The small children are the source of recreation for the elders.
(5) Protective function:
Family always looks after the health of its members both young and old. It takes up the
responsibility of its members and maintains sound and good health.
