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Family Models

A family is considered a basic social unit whose environment provides viable conditions for effective functioning. Emergent research ascertains that the family environment provides an ideal environment that comprises of rich stimuli essential for both physical as well as psychological growth and development. Although the external environment made up of the media, friends and schools also influences the beliefs, values and behavior of the children, this remains the fundamental function of the family unit. Thus family conditions play an instrumental role in determining the developmental outcomes of an individual. To a great extent, the model of the family influences the values, beliefs and attitudes that the family members assume. Arguably, family models also determine the functions or roles that individuals within the family as well as the family as a social institution assume. From a psychological point of view, mental problems such as addiction disrupt the functioning of the family and compromise its ability to execute its roles in an effective manner. This paper explores the family unit in light of its models, roles, functions, conflicts in its functions and the implications of addiction to its functioning.

The models of the modern family are wide and varied and largely influenced by the beliefs and attitudes that members of the family hold. According to Strong (1998), family models are classified in three main categories; patriarchal model, Gender-neutral or equity model and entitlement model. The patriarchal model comprises of a father, who assumes the role of the family head, a mother who assumes subordinate roles and children that are protected by both parents. In this family, the parents assume the sole responsibility of ensuring that the minors are protected in all ways. They are the sole decision makers at all times and therefore directly influence the values that their children assume in the long run. Such families experience minimal conflicts as values related to respect and honesty are held in high regard. Certainly, the success of the children in this family is highly depended on the parenting competencies of the father and mother.

Unlike the patriarchal model, the equality family model embraces the principle of equity and both the state and the family have an equal responsibility of making decisions that affect the wellbeing of the family. This is compounded by fraud because the sovereignty or autonomy of the family is undermined. Values related to respect for parents are minimal because of the fact that children, just like parents have an equal right to influence family decisions. The last family model that is supposedly influenced by the principles of feminism is the entitlement family. In this, the mother and children assume the protected class while the state overrules all issues pertaining to the family. The father on the other hand assumes an insignificant position and is in most cases considered an abuser rather than a part of a family. Psychological evidence ascertains that the success rate of such families is usually very low because of the disparities in power sharing (Strong, 1998). Arguably, the inherent controversies contribute to conflicts within the family that undermine its entire functioning.

Generally, the family institution has various social, economic, political and biological roles to play in the society. Biologically, Williams, Sawyer and Wahlstrom (2005) assert that the family is responsible for reproduction or bringing forth offspring. Socially, the family is also responsible for instilling vital social values in the children. These are important because they allow them to socialize with their peers well and grow up in an acceptable manner. It can not be disputed that a viable social environment that is characterized by acceptance is fundamental for healthy growth and development. Relative conflicts with respect to the role of a family in procreation and socialization stem from the changing structure of the family. Seemingly, the structure of the traditional family is changing and likewise, new family values are being embraced. Changes in lifestyles with respect to careers and economic production are also undermining the ability of the parents to assume this role fully. Most importantly, scientific inventions pertaining to family planning have also raised various controversies regarding the role of the family in procreation.

The family is also expected to play important economic functions related to production. From a traditional point of view, family roles regarding economic production were stratified along gender lines. However, this has changed in modern times especially with the invention of technology. Seemingly, the role of the family as an economic unit has also diminished significantly. This can be attributed to the changing values that are placing undue emphasis on an individual rather than a family. Conflicts in this respect also stem from the role of the state in safeguarding the wellbeing of the family. Emergent trends ascertain that the state rather than the family is ensuring economic production.

At an individual level, a family comprises of a father, mother and children. The father and mother assume reproduction and production roles. They safeguard the entire wellbeing of their children and ensure that their needs and wants are catered for. Children on the other hand play supportive roles of helping their parents in different ways. In certain societies, the extended family that entails aunts, uncles, cousins and grand parents also influence the decisions of the family in different ways. With regard to family values, Williams et al (2005) cites that these play an instrumental role in enhancing harmony within the family. Values differ from one family to another and are usually influenced by the beliefs as well as experiences of the family. In some instances, members within a family may assume different values. This is attributable to the intergenerational differences. In this regard, values that parents assume may differ significantly from those that adolescents assume. Reconciling inherent differences is fundamental for harmonic co existence of the family.

From a psychological point of view, addiction has diverse implications on the functioning of the family. This is because of the influence that it has on the family members. To begin with, addiction makes it difficult for the members to play their roles in an effective manner. This is because the affected members spend a significant period of time on their additive activities. This culminates in conflicts especially when the responsibilities are shifted to other members of the family. For instance, an addicted spouse burdens the other spouse with parenting responsibilities. This undermines the quality of parenting and can compromise assumption of vital values by children. The spill over effects affects the entire functioning of the children in future. Also, addiction leads to poor relations within the family. In this respect, the family does not collaborate towards attainment of goals and objectives related to reproduction, economic production and social wellbeing.

References

Strong, B. (1998). The marriage and family experience. New York: Wadsworth Publishing Company.

Williams, B., Sawyer, S. & Wahlstrom, C. (2005). Marriages, families & intimate relationships. Boston, MA: Pearson.