What is the basic function of the family? What does the family provide for its members? How has the definition of family changed over time?
The family’s essential function to every family member is to provide an orderly context for procreation; nourish and socialize children to ensure economic stability, and attribute social status. Families give affection, care, elementary education, and adaptive function (Chsvavideos, 2016). The definition of family has changed throughout the years. A typical family would include a married couple with children living in the same household, a stay-at-home mother, and a father leading and being the household provider. Today, the representation of family has multiple definitions and formations. For instance, it can be a single-mother, unmarried couple, gay and lesbian couples raising children.
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How do culture, economic status, and historical context impact the functioning of the family in society?
Besides, the definition of family has changed throughout the years. The family function in society has also been affected by historical context, economic status, and culture. During the early twentieth century sociologist, W.F Ogburn highlighted a problem in modern society about the nuclear family losing its function. He concluded and wrote” that the nuclear family was inappropriate and unstable in an urban industrial society.” (pg.91) The example provided in the chapter to understand what was happening with the modern society was the small farm or a small family business meant every member of the family would work together. The contemporary society family did not work together; it dismantled the family function. The economic status can also affect the family function. As mentioned in the chapter, we expect everyone to live in a single-family in the suburbs, possibly on the economic scene. Some families are financially stable while other families or not. The cost-of-living rising had led families to become financially overcommitted. Culture has also contributed to a new definition of family. Compared to the previous generation, the millennials are less likely to live with their spouse or child (Fox et al., 2008). Nonetheless, young people believe family should be a social support system that gives them unconditional love.
What environmental resources do the individual and the family require to maintain homeostasis?
The environmental resources that an individual and family need to provide homeostasis include security, housing, health, food, and material items like clothing. Children are likely to trust parents who assure them of safety from physical or emotional abuse (Fox et al., 2008). Also, families need to provide children with a permanent residence to improve their well-being. Most importantly, an individual and family should ensure that children have access to health care, food, and clothing.
What are the risks to children in foster care? How and why do some children thrive and present as resilient while others present as children at risk?
Children in foster care are at risk of physical or emotional damage. Some caregivers’ homes expose children to domestic violence, drugs, violent crimes like murder, and stray bullets (Fox et al. 2008). Although most children state that foster homes are the safest place, they are concerned about the high likelihood of being injured. Some children claim that their foster parents threatened, beaten, made derisive comments, or touched them inappropriately (Fox et al., 2008). Children who are exposed to violence are likely to develop psychological and mental health problems. However, children whose biological parents and extended family visit them are likely to thrive in foster homes and present themselves as resilient since the constant family interactions enhance the sense of security and feelings of self-worth (Metzger, 2008). Conversely, children whose biological parents rarely visit them are likely to be at risk of emotional stressors and fail to adjust in foster homes.
How can the environment help to sustain children at risk?
An environment that provides children emotional, material, instrumental, physical, and psychological support can sustain children at risk. This ecological support is created through ongoing relationships between a parent and a child living with family members (Metzger, 2008). It enhances the feelings of being valued and promotes resilient abilities.
Do you believe we can teach resilience, or do you think that it’s something we are born with?
Parents can teach children to be resilient by emotionally connected to them. Children expect parents to give them unconditional support. When parents spend time with children, they empower them to seek guidance and solve complex problems. Positive connections with adults enhance stress coping mechanisms and resilience in children.
References
Chsvavideos. (2016, April 21). What is family? YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5ZCMcvuVJ8&feature=youtu.be
Fox, A., Berrick, J. D., & Frasch, K. (2008). Safety, family, permanency, and child well-being: What we can learn from children. Child Welfare , 87 (1), 63-90.
Metzger, J. (2008). Resiliency in children and youth in kinship care and family foster care. Child Welfare , 87 (6), 115.
