FAMILY

In the context of human society, a family (from Latin: familia) is a group of people affiliated by consanguinity (by recognized birth),affinity (by marriage), or co-residence and/or shared consumption (see Nurture kinship). Members of the immediate family may include, singularly or plurally, a spouse, parent, brother, sister, son and/or daughter. Members of the extended family may include grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews nieces and/or siblings-in-law.

In most societies, the family is the principal institution for the socialization of children. As the basic unit for raising children,anthropologists generally classify most family organization as matrifocal (a mother and her children); conjugal (a husband, his wife, and children; also called the nuclear family); avuncular (for example, a grandparent, a brother, his sister, and her children); orextended (parents and children co-reside with other members of one parent's family). Sexual relations among the members are regulated by rules concerning incest such as the incest taboo.

"Family" is used metaphorically to create more inclusive categories such as community, nationhood, global village and humanism

FAMILY STRUCTURE

Both mothers and fathers play important roles in the growth and development of children. The number and the type of parents (e.g., biological, step) in the household, as well as the relationship between the parents, are strongly linked to a child’s well-being.  (Nationally representative data on adoptive families are relatively new, and warrant a separate treatment.)

Among young children, for example, those living with no biological parents or in single-parent households are less likely than children with two biological parents to exhibit behavioral self-control, and more likely to be exposed to high levels of aggravated parenting, than are children living with two biological parents. Children living with two married adults (biological or adoptive parents) have, in general, better health, greater access to health care, and fewer emotional or behavioral problems than children living in other types of families.

Among children in two-parent families, those living with both biological parents in a low-conflict marriage tend to do better on a host of outcomes than those living in step-parent families. Outcomes for children in step-parent families are in many cases similar to those for children growing up in single-parent families. Children whose parents are divorced also have lower academic performance, social achievement, and psychological adjustment than children with married parents. Reliance on kin networks (for example, living with grandparents) can provide social and financial support for some families, particularly single-parent families. However, the evidence suggests that children living in households with their single mothers in some cases fare better, and in other cases worse, when also living with a grandparent.

CHALLENGES TO FAMILY

ABUSE Abuse not only injures the body, mind, and

spirit, it is a violation of the teachings of the Savior. Victims of abuse can seek help from their priesthood leader to guide them through the process of healing. “We are all under the Savior’s command to love and care for each other and especially for the weak and defenseless” (Dallin H. Oaks, “Protect the Children,” Ensign, Nov. 2012).    

 

ADDICTION Those who have suffered from addictive

behaviors have found that their addiction affects all aspects of their life. But recovery is possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. “For those of you who have fallen prey to any kind of addiction, there is hope because God loves all of His children and because the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ makes all things possible” (M. Russell Ballard, “O That Cunning Plan of the Evil One,” Ensign, Nov. 2010). 

COMMUNICATION ISSUES

Our words and deeds should be filled with kindness, charity, and love. This is true not only for members of our families, but for everyone around us. “With such words, spoken under the influence of the Spirit, tears can be dried, hearts can be healed, lives can be elevated, hope can return, confidence can prevail” (Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Tongue of Angels,” Ensign, May 2007).  

DIVORCE Divorce is a trial that affects the entire

family. Those affected by divorce can receive strength and comfort from the Lord’s promise: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. . . . For my yoke is easy, and my burden light” (Matthew 11:28, 30).

PARENTING Parents who rear their children in the

teachings of Jesus Christ can find happiness and fulfillment.  “Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World”).  

PORNOGRAPHY Pornography is a toxic counterfeit and

misuse of the sacred and powerful God-given gift of human sexuality. Pornography negatively impacts our relationships with God, family, and ourselves. Nonetheless, peace and recovery are possible. “Repent and, if necessary, repent again and again and again and again until you—not the enemy—are in charge of you” (Boyd K. Packer, “How to Survive in Enemy Territory,” Ensign, Nov. 2012).

SAME-SEX ATTRACTION

The experience of same-sex attraction is a complex reality for many people. The attraction alone is not sinful. While individuals do not choose such attractions, all individuals choose how to respond to them. “Let’s work together on this and find friendship and commonality and brotherhood and sisterhood. It’s important that there be love, and that there be hope” (D. Todd Christofferson, mormonsandgays.org). 

FAMILY AS AN INSTITUTION

As family is a primary social institution of a society, existence of every social institution is depends on the functions carried out by that social institution. Family is no exception to this concept. According to Augbern and Nimcoff , satisfaction of sexual needs and child bearing are important functions of family. As the opinion of many social scientist main reason for the existence of the family institution is longer period of child dependence. The another function of family institution is to give formal and informal education to children. Children have to go to school for formal education but informal education is given by family institute. The family gives information about culture and helps to balanced personality development. Family carries out social regulations by developing personality. In traditional as well as modern society this functions are of family institution.Hence, we come to know that family is a major social institution of society

CHALLEGES TO FAMILY IN AMERICA

The traditional family structure in the United States is considered a family support system involving two married individuals providing care and stability for their biological offspring. However, this two-parent, nuclear family has become less prevalent, and alternative family forms have become more common. The family is created at birth and establishes ties across generations.[Those generations, the extended family of aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins, can hold significant emotional and economic roles for the nuclear family.

Over time, the traditional structure has had to adapt to very influential changes, including divorce and the introduction of single-parent families, teenage pregnancy and unwed mothers, and same-sex marriage, and increased interest in adoption. Social movements such as the feminist movement and the stay-at-home dad have contributed to the creation of alternative family forms, generating new versions of the American family.

FOUR FACTORS OF A

FAMLY

ADULTERY Adultery is an obvious sign that

something is wrong with the marriage, or something is not right in that person’s life. Either way, the problem won’t go away by itself and will need commitment from both spouses to be open and honest with each other about moving forward.

FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES

It can be that a couple isn’t on the same page financially, meaning one is a spender and the other a saver – and they come to resent each other because of it. Often, income instability drives one or both spouses to a state of stress and heightened arguments.

Ideally, couples should openly discuss their finances before marrying – but not all people get around to doing so. If you’re already married, financial planners can help couples to get on the same page by mapping out both their immediate and future savings and retirement goals.

Work Stress and Obligations

Although not as common as adultery or financial troubles, work stress is a big factor that leads couples to go their own ways. Whether one or both spouses have demanding, all-encompassing jobs, this can, over time, lessen or sever the bond that originally brought them together.  

Depression

Depression can place a dreadful strain on a marriage, especially if it hasn’t been clinically diagnosed. Often characterized by extreme mood swings and a severe detachment from life and the people around them, a person may seem like themselves one moment and then suddenly swing into full blown depression in the next.

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