Sociology of the Family Copyright © 2010 by Dr. Ron J. Hammond This book is being released under a Creative Commons License of Attribution (BY). This means that you are free to use the materials contained in this work for any purpose as long as credit is given to the authors. More free books available at freebooks.uvu.edu.
Again, all modern families have functions and dysfunctions. Family functions are the tasks and goals that support and sustain the family. Dysfunctions are failures in the family to accomplish these tasks and goals. Functions are intended. Dysfunctions are typically unintended.
Having said that, enjoy the textbook. In all societies, the family is the premier institution for all of the following: socialization of children, adult intimate relationships, life-long economic support and cooperation, and continuity of relationships along the life-course. Sociologists are leaders among scientists who study the family.
Keep in mind they have been extensively studied for a very long time. When understanding the family, the Family System Theory has proven to be very powerful. Family Systems Theory claims that the family is understood best by conceptualizing it as a complex, dynamic, and changing collection of parts, subsystems and family members.