The Function of the Family Unit

What is the purpose of the family unit? To begin with, the aim is not to define the family unit, but to inquire about the function of the family unit. A family, however it may be defined, seems to exists intrinsically, rather than instrumentally. For the most part, famlies appear to exist simply for the sake of being families, and not to perform a particular function.

From a procreation stand-point, the family unit could be described as a mechanism to perpetuate humanity through the transference of genetic information. This description of the family unit's potential function may be correct, but it is also limited. Families are not necessary for gene transference. A woman could give birth only to submit a newborn for adoption. In this case the gene carrier or the neonate, is brought into an institution and not a family. One may contend, the woman who gave birth to the newborn exists through the functions of the family. However, family does not beget family absolutely. Being born of a family does not warrant one will produce a family. There are marriages in which the husband and wife decide not to have kids. Additionally, some people remain single for their entire life. Lastly, there is artificial insemination.

From an economic stand-point, some may hypothesize the purpose of the family is to be a producer of workers and consumers. With socialization occurring within the family and the education system, the ideologies of working to afford a decent life are an essential part of the family as an economic engine. As the ideologies are materialized in adulthood, the family as an economic producer is self perpetuating because off-springs usually inculcate off-springs into a life of production. The inculcation is commonly based on compassion from the family stand-point, as most parents would like for their off-spring to live a good life.