2. WHAT ARE FUNCTIONS?
In society, the family performs
several functions which are
common to all families.
3. The Five Major Functions of
the Family
The five major functions of the family
are;
Reproduction
Socialization
Provision of a home
Protection and Care
Economic Provision
5. Socialization
The family is where
the first setting of
socialization begins.
Family members
teach the child the
norms, values,
morals, beliefs and
ideals of society.
6. PROVISION OF A HOME
The family makes
the provision of a
home or a common
habitation for its
members.
7. PROTECTION AND CARE
The child at birth is
completely helpless and
cannot survive at all
without the help of the
family. It is the family
which provides care,
protection, security for
the child.
8. Economic Provision
The family provides
economically for the
family, through work. As
such, the adults in the
home may earn money to
provide clothes, food and
items needed by the
dependents in the home.
10. The following slides are
scenarios based on each of
the functions of the family.
Select the correct function
from the options listed
under each scenario.
11. Scenario 1
Baron lives in a house with his mother, father and
younger sister. On Sundays, they join their aunts,
uncles and cousins at their grandparent’s home.
During this time, they play with each other and hear
stories from their grandparents.
1. Economic Provision
2. Protection and Care
3. Socialization
4. Reproduction
12. Scenario 2
In Alicia’s family, her mother is a Doctor and her father is
an Engineer. Today, the family is going to the mall, they
are about to purchase new clothes and shoes for Alicia
and her sister Alisha. After, the family is going to Price
Smart to shop for grocery.
1. Socialization
2. Provision of a Home
3. Economic
4. Protection and Care
13. Scenario 3
Angelo has a new baby sister; his father explains to
him that they must protect and take care of the
baby because the baby cannot take care of herself.
Therefore, they have to change the baby’s diaper,
feed the baby and protect the baby from sharp
objects.
1. Protection and Care
2. Economic
3. Socialization
4. Reproduction
