Non-essential Functions of a Family

Today we will discuss the non-essential functions of a family.

These functions are non-essential in the sense that these are also performed simultaneously by other social institutions in the family.

They normally comprise of 5 functions:

economic

religious

educational

health

recreational functions.

Economic functions: In ancient times the house was both a production and consumption unit. It fulfilled the economic needs of its members. This function has undergone a transformation, with families moving from being production and consumption units in ancient times to becoming more of consuming units rather than producing one. Nowadays, members of a family, generally, no longer produce things themselves; rather, they go out and work for some monetary remuneration or wages.

Educational functions: As a primary educational institution, the family used to teach letters, knowledge, skill, and trade secrets to all its members.

It looks after the primary education of its members and molds their career and character. The lap of the Mother acts as the first and best teacher of a child. Besides, they learn all sorts of informal education such as discipline, obedience, manners, etc. from home.

Religious functions: All the members believe in a particular religion and observe religious ceremonies, rites, rituals, and practices at home. Children learn different religious values from their parents. It transmits religious beliefs and practices from one generation to another.

This fact is supported by the authentic Hadith of Nabi ﷺ

أَنَّ أَبَا هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏”‏ مَا مِنْ مَوْلُودٍ إِلاَّ يُولَدُ عَلَى الْفِطْرَةِ، فَأَبَوَاهُ يُهَوِّدَانِهِ أَوْ يُنَصِّرَانِهِ أَوْ يُمَجِّسَانِهِ، كَمَا تُنْتَجُ الْبَهِيمَةُ بَهِيمَةً جَمْعَاءَ، هَلْ تُحِسُّونَ فِيهَا مِنْ جَدْعَاءَ ‏

Narrated Abu Huraira RA: Allah’s Messenger ﷺ said, “Every child is born with a true faith of Islam (i.e. to worship none but Allah Alone) but his parent`s convert him to Judaism, Christianity or Magainism, as an animal delivers a perfect baby animal. Do you find it mutilated?” [Bukhari and Muslim]

Health-related functions: Family is a primary social group which performs several health-related functions for its members. It looks after the health and vigour of its members. It takes care of the sick, old-aged persons of the family. By providing necessary nutritive food to its members, it takes care of the health of all.

Recreational function: Family also has a recreational function. In ancient times, the home was the only centre of recreation. Gatherings during festivals, functions, family`s reunion, marriages, brought entire families together. Nowadays taking family members out on holidays or for other entertainment like dinners, etc. is more common.

There are a few other functions that are spoken off which we will briefly explain.

Cultural functions: It is an important agent of cultural transmission. Culture is transmitted from one generation to another through the house members. It preserves different cultural traits. All the aspects of culture are learned within the family structure.

Social functions: It performs a number of social functions. It teaches about social customs, traditions, norms, etiquette to the new generations. It exercises social control over its members and brings them into conformity with accepted social standards. Senior members of the house directly control the behaviour of children and thereby they become good citizens.

Labour division: It is the basis of the division of labour, where all members have their duties and obligations towards each other.