IndexIntroductionFamily - Family Functions: A Structural-Functional AnalysisViews of the FamilyFamily FunctionsIntroductionIn the film *the switch* explores the problem of meaning for the structural family when *kasssy* wants to return to her son at family gatherings .she feels that her son needs it and also understands that it is the right way to build a good healthy family. And in this film it is clear that the role of the father in the family is very important and with this according to the theory of functionalism the father is part of the family unit. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayThe father plays an important role in the family unit and any disregard for this role affects the family, as explained in the film in the effect on the child in the presence of the father and in his absence,The film illustrates the transformation of the family when the father plays his natural role, which corresponds to the functional theory given that the family is an organism composed of parts (parents and children). THE family is a nucleus made up of parts based on the construction of this nucleus and its continuation and any disruption of any role or part of the nucleus affects the nucleus as a whole and the family is part of society. From the functionalist point of view, the institution of the family helps to satisfy the needs of its members and contributes to the stability of society in general. From this perspective, marriage is seen as a mutually beneficial exchange between members of two sexes, each enacting traditional gender roles, with women receiving protection, economic support, and status from their husbands and men receiving support emotional and sexual, maintaining the home, and producing children by their wives. Functionalists see the social institution of the family as collapsing under the strains experienced by society as a result of rapid social change. From the functionalist perspective, trends such as single-parent families, female-headed families, and the high divorce rate occurring in many societies today are the result of the breakdown and disorganization of the family institution. There are, however, a number of serious criticisms of the functionalist perspective of the family, particularly because it fails to take into account many of the realities of postmodern life. Family-Family Functions: A Structural-Functional Analysis Social scientists use the term “family” to refer to different social groups. A nuclear family, for example, is defined as a married couple and their unmarried children living under the same This rather small group is called “nuclear” because it is the nucleus around which other larger family groups are concentrated, for example, an extended family includes the family unit in addition to all the other family members (for example, grandparents, nephews, aunts, uncles) living together under the same roof Although this type of family was more widespread in previous centuries, it still exists today and theoretically offers family members greater social support. However, just like the percentage of solutions Extended family life has declined over time, so has the proportion of nuclear family living arrangements, particularly in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The number of single-parent families is increasing. increase not only in the United States but also in other postindustrial societies, in part due to factors such as high divorce rates and the decision of some individuals to have children outside of marriage. Many people today also see committed same-sex couples as families,regardless of their legal marital status, as well as committed heterosexual couples who have chosen not to marry. The definition of “family” also becomes more complicated in divorce and remarriage, as stepparents, step-siblings, and half-siblings are thrown into the mix. Views on the Family Each of the major sociological perspectives views the family in a different way. From the functionalist point of view, the institution of the family helps satisfy the needs of its members and contributes to the stability of society as a whole. Functionalists attempt to explain the nature of the social order, the relationship between the various parts (structures) of society, and their contribution to the stability of society by examining the functionality of each to determine how it contributes to the stability of society as a whole. Functionalists also emphasize the importance of social institutions based on common values ​​of members of society. Within this broad perspective, functionalists view the family as important because it satisfies a number of important needs of society, including producing children to replace members who have died, socializing those children so that they act according to the norms and expectations of society, regulate sexual activity, provide physical assistance to family members, assign identities to individuals, and provide psychological support and emotional security to its members. According to functionalists, marriage – which they see as the sine qua non of the family – is a mutually beneficial exchange between members of two sexes. From the functionalist perspective, within the social institution of marriage, women receive protection, economic support, and status from their husbands, and men receive emotional and sexual support, family maintenance, and the production of children from their wives. In this traditional view of marriage and family, functionalists also see the family as the primary place where children are cared for and taught the values ​​of society. Functions of the Family According to functionalists, there are six main functions of the family. a social institution in which it is socially acceptable to reproduce. This function of the family helps to repopulate society and replace deceased members. The family is the social unit in which the norms of sexual behavior are most clearly defined. Although norms of sexual behavior may change over time or across cultures, within a given temporal and cultural situation, it is the family that best defines these norms. Functionalists argue that the family is important because it offers protection to its members. Certainly, young humans need social and economic support as well as constant care to survive and become contributing members of society. The family is where much of this happens. Although other social institutions (e.g., school, church) may contribute to the education of a society's children, it is within the family that the primary responsibility remains. Families act as a socializing agent that controls the behavior of its members (especially its members). children) and teaches them to distinguish between what society considers acceptable and unacceptable behavior and to act in a way that is appropriate for society's needs. The family unit offers affection and companionship to its members, thus helping them to feel secure and satisfied. Of course, other social institutions also provide these rewards. However, according to functionalists, although other institutions may provide some rewards occasionally, family members expect to receive them within the family (e.g., one tends to expect one's family to help,.