What is the family?

The family is the primary unit of society. Families are comprised by several closely knit, related individuals living together in a community. Each family is distinct. Some families are large and have many children while some have just one or two. It is a group of people linked by blood, marriage, or adoption who live together and usually share a common culture.

Functions of the Family:

- Nurturing and rearing of children

- Provision of economic, emotional and social support

- Transmission of cultural values and beliefs

- Regulation of sexual behaviour

- Provision of a sense of identity and belonging

- Support for the elderly

The family is the most important institution in society. It is the foundation of all other social institutions and provides the basic building blocks for a healthy society.