 Families are
dynamic and interdependent units of society which take forms and
functions according to society’s changing needs and the expressive and
instrumental needs of the families’ members. They are intimate
associations whose variety of forms may be viewed from three different
perspectives.
First, the family
can be seen as a biological unit whose members are linked by blood or
marital ties or by formal or informal adoption. This generally
involves relations among mothers, fathers, children, and other close
relatives who may or may not share a common residence for sustained
periods of time.
Second, the family
may be seen as a social unit, composed of persons related to each
other in any of the ways above, as well as others, who live together
in the same household and share different developmental tasks and
social functions.
Third, the family
may be seen as a psychological unit, defined by the emotional bonds
and personal feelings that hold parties together. In this conception
and in some cultures, non-relatives and absent, or even deceased,
relatives may be experienced as members.
Whatever their
structure, we believe that the primary function of families is to
provide for the perpetuation and enhancement of culture and society by
the nurturance, care, protection, and socialization of their members
throughout life. Conversely, whatever the structure of the families
within it, a primary responsibility of society is to provide the
necessary supports to sustain them in fulfilling those functions.
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