Basic 8 · Social Studies · The Family System
Functions of the Family and Changes in Family Life
In this topic you will examine the functions of nuclear and extended families, the advantages and disadvantages of each and how family life in Ghana is changing.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Explain the functions of the family
- State the advantages and disadvantages of each family system
- Discuss changes and challenges in family life
What you already know
- Family systems in Ghana
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
Lesson 1
- Strand
- Family Life
- Sub-strand
- The Family System
- Indicator
- B8.2.2.1.1 – Examine the composition and functions of the nuclear and the extended families
Introduction
Schools, hospitals and courts do important work, but the family reaches a child before any of them.
1. Main Functions of the Family
| Function | Explanation |
|---|---|
| reproduction | continuing the family and society |
| economic support | providing food, shelter and clothing |
| socialisation | teaching language, values and customs |
| education | paying fees and helping with learning |
| emotional support | giving love, comfort and security |
| protection | keeping members safe |
| social identity | giving a name, family and place in society |
| care for the vulnerable | looking after the sick and elderly |
2. Socialisation
Socialisation: The process by which people learn the values and behaviour of their society.
You did not learn to greet elders or to eat with your right hand by accident. You learned them from your family. Children copy what adults do, so parents should set good examples. Children also learn about honesty, hard work and respect at home. When families do this well, schools and communities benefit. When it fails, society can face problems such as crime and indiscipline.
3. Economic Functions
Families are also economic units. In many rural areas, parents and children farm or fish together. In towns, income from work may pay for food and rent. Extended family members may contribute money to pay for school fees, medical bills or funerals, which works as a type of social insurance. Those who have succeeded are often expected to help others, which can be both a blessing and a burden.
4. Advantages and Disadvantages
| System | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| nuclear | closer parent-child bond; more privacy; easier to budget | less help in hard times; care of elderly harder |
| extended | shared support; care for the old and orphans; culture passed on | possible disputes; less privacy; dependence on others |
Neither system is always better. Many Ghanaians try to enjoy both, keeping a small household while supporting relatives. A good family, whichever its form, gives its members love and guidance.
5. The Family and the Nation
Strong families help to build a strong nation. When children are fed, loved and guided at home, they arrive at school ready to learn and grow into responsible citizens.
New words
- socialisation
- Learning the values of society.
- emotional support
- Comfort and care for one's feelings.
- social insurance
- Protection against hardship through sharing.
- dependant
- Someone who relies on others for support.
Summary
- Families provide for, teach and protect their members.
- Socialisation shapes values and behaviour.
- Both family systems have advantages and disadvantages.
Class activity: Debate
- Debate which family system is better.
- Use evidence from your own community.
- Summarise both sides.
You need: Printed Ghanaian family photographs, Family-tree cards, Kente cloth sample
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Teaching children values is called…
- A. socialisation
- B. migration
- C. conservation
- D. election
Show answer
Answer: socialisationLearning.2. Which is an advantage of the extended family?
- A. support in hard times
- B. less help
- C. no elders
- D. fewer relatives
Show answer
Answer: support in hard timesSupport.3. Families provide emotional support.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueLove.4. Someone who relies on others is a ______.
Show answer
Answer: dependantSupport.5. State three functions of the family.
Show answer
Answer: Socialisation, economic support and protection.Any three.6. Give one advantage and one disadvantage of the nuclear family.
Show answer
Answer: Closer bond, but less help in hard times.Evaluation.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Family Life
- Sub-strand
- The Family System
- Indicator
- B8.2.2.1.1 – Examine the composition and functions of the nuclear and the extended families
Introduction
Families in Ghana today differ from those of your grandparents' youth. Migration, education and technology are changing how we live.
1. Reasons for Change
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| urbanisation | People live far from relatives. |
| formal education | Later marriage and fewer children. |
| migration abroad | Parents and children live apart. |
| women's employment | Roles in the home change. |
| religion | Some customs give way to new practices. |
| technology | Phones keep families linked, but may cut talk at home. |
2. Challenges Facing Families
Family life can be hard. Poverty makes it difficult to feed and educate children. Divorce or separation may leave children sad and short of support. Teenage pregnancy can interrupt education. Some children are neglected, or sent out to work too early. Domestic violence causes injury and fear in some homes. Elderly people may be left alone because their children moved away. Each of these issues requires care from the family and support from society.
3. Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is abuse by someone in the home. It could be physical, emotional, sexual or economic. It is against the law in Ghana under the Domestic Violence Act, 2007 (Act 732). Help is available from the police's Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) and the Department of Social Welfare. If you or someone you know is being harmed, tell a trusted adult.
4. Keeping Families Strong
- Make time to talk and eat together.
- Plan family budgets.
- Share household duties.
- Settle disputes peacefully, with elders or counsellors if necessary.
- Respect one another's views.
- Seek help early when there is trouble.
5. The Role of Society
Government and communities also support families. The Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme gives cash to very poor households. The National Health Insurance Scheme helps families to pay for medical care. Free Senior High School has reduced the cost of education. Churches, mosques and NGOs provide counselling and help. Strong families and a caring society work best together.
New words
- urbanisation
- The growth of towns and cities.
- domestic violence
- Abuse by someone in the home.
- neglect
- Failing to give proper care.
- DOVVSU
- The police unit dealing with domestic violence.
Summary
- Urbanisation, education and migration are changing families.
- Poverty, divorce and violence are key challenges.
- Support comes from family, the state and religious groups.
Class activity: Family Support Map
- List the problems families face in your area.
- Name who can help with each one.
- Share your map.
You need: Printed Ghanaian family photographs, Family-tree cards, Kente cloth sample
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Which is a cause of family change?
- A. urbanisation
- B. rainfall
- C. photosynthesis
- D. erosion
Show answer
Answer: urbanisationTowns.2. LEAP supports…
- A. very poor households
- B. only teachers
- C. only chiefs
- D. banks
Show answer
Answer: very poor householdsSocial protection.3. Domestic violence is against the law in Ghana.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueAct 732.4. Failing to give proper care is ______.
Show answer
Answer: neglectChild welfare.5. State three challenges facing families.
Show answer
Answer: Poverty, divorce and teenage pregnancy.Any three.6. Suggest two ways of keeping families strong.
Show answer
Answer: Make time to talk and settle disputes peacefully.Any two.
Homework
- Write a paragraph about one way your family could grow stronger.