Page 156 - DSOC402_SOCIOLOGY_OF_KINSHIP_ENGLISH

Sociology of Kinship

Notes 21.2 Functions of the Family
Family is a fundamental unit of the society. Man has done many inventions but could not create
a system which can replace a family. The reason behind is that functions of families can not be
executed by any organisation or institution. We will discuss the functions of a family in brief.

(I) Biological Functions

Biological functions of a family are as fallows:
(a) Sexual Satisfaction: Sexual satisfaction is equal important in fundamental human needs.
Family is a commune where a person fulfills his/her sexual needs with the system ap-
proved by the society. No society can give absolute unregulated freedom for sex because it
results in producing babies and relationship crisis, status, succession and class determina-
tion are also officiated with it.
(b) Reproduction: Sexual satisfaction simply not the end of one’s biological need but it also
result as a child birth. Man is mortal hence, it is ncecessary to fill the vacuum by new mem-
bers to perpetuate the society. This important work is done by the family. Child birth can be
occured beyond the family but civilized society would not accept this type of child as they
are illegel. Only legal child acquire succession and inheritance.
(c) Race Perpetuation: Family has made the society immortal. This is the congregation place of
death and life. The family has maintained the firmness and perpetuality of human beings
by giving birth to new born. According to Gudey, “The society will be perished if family
would not manage sufficiently the whole needs of human life.”

(II) Physical Functions

(a) Bodily Care: A family provides production to their members. In case of old age, accident,
helplessness, illness or having disabled, the family look after and serve their family mem-
ber. A family also look after the pregnent mother and new born child.
(b) Nurture of Children: In human being, infancy period is longer in comparision to other spe-
cies. The family takes care to his new born. There are many creaches opened to look after
the new born but the emotional and touchy atmoshphere which is essential for the growth
of a child can be achieved only in the family.
(c) Provision for Food: Family provide food to their members for their existence. The main
function of the family has been procurring food to their family member since ancient time.
Food is essential for the existence of life and by keeping alive human civilisation and cul-
ture can be flourished.
(d) Provision for Shelter and Clothing: Family provide shelter to his family members. The
place where man gets complete peace and tranquality is his own house. Our house protect
us from heat, cold and rain. We wear clothes to protect us from heat, cold and rain as well.
Those are provided by the family.

(III) Economic Functions
(a) Inheritance Determination: The system of transferring property and post from one genra-
tion to new generation is found in every society and this work is to be done by the family.
There are certain rules in each society in transferring mentioned property: In patrilineal
family son get succession in Patrilineal family while daughter get-succession in matrilineal
family.
(b) Productive Unit: The family is the mark of consumption and production. In ancient time,
the production work was done by family. Total productive work was done by family in

150 LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY