Family as an institution

Introduction 

Families are of two types such as nuclear and joint families and both families have different lifestyles among its members. “Family as an institution” plays an indispensable role in a person’s life and every individual learns about the significance of a family from the early days of life. In society basically two types of families exist and both types of families have certain differences. In nuclear families it is basically composed of parents and their children. In contrast to nuclear families, joint family is an extended type or category of family where lots of family members stay under the same household. It generally comprised parents, children, and spouses of children along with their offspring. 

What is the role of family in the development of an individual?

In overall growth and development of an individual “family as an institution” plays an indispensable role. In a person’s life, family and its role are significant. In a family a child gets emotional and mental support from family members and the family provides its members social recognition or identity. Family members share their views and communication within the household for tackling various situations in day to day life activities. Growth and sustainability of an individual solely depends upon family and its environment. Conflicting situations in a family hinders sustainable growth and development of a child within the family and it acts as a restraining force behind normal growth of a child. “Family as an institution” builds certain qualities within an individual for tackling conflicting situations in life with ease.  

What are key features of a joint family?

Joint family is basically an extended version of a family where lots of family members stay under the same household. Lots of family members are in a joint family and in terms of dependency they rely on each other for their needs. Joint family builds a great emotional bond within various generations and it passes tradition from one generation to its next generation through building unity within family members. Youngsters within the family get better support and it basically plays an indispensable role in providing the joyful leisure time with other family members with no boredom. Joint family acts as a support system for widow and old generation people. Life is joyful and no members within the family feel monotonous while living in an extended joint family. 

What are the key features and attributes of the nuclear family?

Nuclear family consists of parents and their child. In terms of freedom, nuclear family members feel more privileged and independent. Nuclear family members do not depend on permission from other family members for taking strategic decisions and they are not questionable to others for their decision regarding family. Nuclear family members enjoy more relaxation and freedom as compared to joint families. Children within nuclear families face less restriction and they are enjoying more freedom within nuclear families. In contrast to a joint family where lots of family members stayed together, nuclear families basically consist of fewer members and therefore children within the family face boredom and their social life is restricted within the family. Nuclear family faces less quarrel and conflict within the family as compared to the joint family. 

Why is family regarded as a social institution?

Family plays an indispensable role in the psychological well-being of an individual. Family influences communities and individuals and it has a significant contribution to society. People learn social roles and responsibility from family. Society is changing drastically and likewise a family also faces lots of hurdles with its journey. Family has a significant role in developing the sociological mindset of an individual and people learn various values, expectations along with beliefs from family. In order to learn the rule of sustaining in society, family provides us with necessary lessons and “family as an institution” provides necessary insight regarding significance of understanding and cooperation within family members. “Family as an institution” plays a significant role in growth and development of an individual and it helps to enrich an individual with certain social qualities for bringing more growth and sustainability towards society.

Conclusion

In the concluding portion of this discussion it is stated that family plays an indispensable role in growth and development of an individual. Family plays a significant role in constructing the moral character of an individual. Conflict within a family hampers psychological development of an individual and it hinders growth and development of children within the family.