Chapter 14
Chapter Summary
• Family roles and functions have changed throughout history in
order to meet the changing needs of family members.
• Families perform several basic functions. They provide economic
and emotional support, nurturance, education, protection, and
opportunities for recreation.
• Family members have both given roles and chosen roles. Each of
these roles includes certain responsibilities, though the specific
responsibilities will vary among families.
• When all family members fulfi ll their roles and responsibilities,
communicate clearly, and treat each other with affection and respect,
they contribute to a functional family system. When responsibilities
are not fulfi lled and interpersonal relationships deteriorate, the
family may become dysfunctional.
• A number of characteristics appear to be common among strong
families.
• As society changes, new family structures continue to emerge.
• The six stages in the family life cycle vary in length and may
overlap. These stages are the beginning, childbearing, parenting,
launching, mid-years, and aging stages.
Check Your Knowledge
1. Name four factors in society that have caused families to change
through the years.
2. Briefly describe the nurturing function of the family.
3. Explain the difference between a given role and a chosen role.
4. Explain the difference between a functional family and a
dysfunctional family.
5. List four characteristics often found in strong, healthy families.
6. Defi ne the term nuclear family.
7. List four situations that may result in a single-parent family structure.
8. What is a legal guardian?
9. What is the main focus of the parenting stage of the family life
cycle?
10. Name three key adjustments that a married couple must make
during the launching stage.
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