What distinguishes the family from other small groups. Family as a small group

What distinguishes the family from other small groups? Everything. This is the social unit of society, the basis of which are family ties and / or marital relations. But this is too short an answer. It is better to make it more developed.

Occurrence

The history of the emergence of this unit of society - this is what distinguishes the family from other small groups in the first place. It all began a long time ago. At the end of the primitive communal system, to be more precise. That is about 300 thousand years ago, when the era of the Middle Paleolithic reigned.

Initially, the family existed in the form of polygamy. This term originated from the Greek concept. This, if translated into Russian, group marriage, polygamy. A little later the relationship evolved. And couples began to form.

It should be noted that in primitive society there was a form of matriarchy in the family. Then it was normal that the mother, the founder of the family and the governor of the clan community , was in charge . She led the economy, regulated relations. However, this is a slightly different topic. But what distinguishes a family from other small groups is its history. This cell of society appeared before all others. And this is a fact.

Functions

This is the second thing that distinguishes the family from other small groups. The functions of this cell of society are numerous and important. To begin with, it is worthwhile to list the functions of a practical nature, and here is what it is customary to allocate:

• Household and household. Material needs are easier to satisfy if you do it together. A simple example: everyone needs an apartment. And if the newly-made husband and wife do not have a home, the two of them will earn much more quickly than separately.
• Economic. Conducting a joint economy and budget, the distribution of responsibilities between two people greatly simplifies the existence of both of them. In addition, the norms of family life oblige each of the spouses to help and support each other, including financially.
• Combining efforts. Gediminas Nawaitis, a well-known psychologist, liked to designate this function separately. He assured that every need that is satisfied by the family can be realized without it. But! Only the family makes it possible to satisfy them in a complex, which is much more convenient and practical.

As you can see, marriage is also an interaction. Not only useful, but also beneficial for both spouses. And let's talk about what distinguishes the family from other small groups - joint activities and partnerships make it similar to a small enterprise. Here the main thing is that the business approach does not turn the relationship into a chronic attempt to extract from all the benefits.

Social component

Emotional mutual satisfaction - this is what distinguishes the family from other small groups. And what is the best sign of this? The presence of intimacy. Her traditionally provides only marriage. But this is not the main component, but only one of them. Also, the family is distinguished by the warmth reigning in it, mutual understanding, love. If this is not the case, behavioral and emotional difficulties arise. It is very important that family members meet each other's social needs: they show sympathy and respect, provide support in difficult situations, provide psychological protection. All of the above is the basis for a healthy relationship.

Entertainment

What distinguishes the family from other small groups? Joint leisure activities are an important component. In this aspect, a recreational function is manifested. When the couple together are engaged in the restoration of their intellectual and physical strength after work, and jointly organize entertainment, this has a beneficial effect on the microclimate in their family.

Plus, a common hobby or passion gives you an extra pleasant occasion to be together more often. There are new topics for conversation and discussion, the interest of the spouses to each other does not fade, they are getting closer and creating new memories. In many pairs, a joint hobby is a tradition that perfectly strengthens the marriage and constantly gives impulses to the best mutual understanding.

In addition, we must not forget about the communicative function. It is customary for the family to communicate with each other. If at work employees of the enterprise can avoid close (or in general any) contact with each other because of mutual hostility, which, in principle, is not uncommon, then it will not work at home. Because such behavior is not a norm, but a problem. Or even an occasion to arrange a session of psychotherapy.

Unanimity

The general outlook on life and all its aspects is what distinguishes the family from other small groups. Uniform preferences in clothes, food, music and films, the same perception of religion, the goals of existence, the identical prioritization ... When the spouses converge in everything, even in such small things that were noted by us, it is amazing. And fine. Because life with a like-minded person who can support always and in everything is incredibly easy and delivers only joy.

Of course, not in every marriage such relations reign. Spouses may not agree on some issues. But they should not be the complete opposites. Because there will be conflicts. And this is the most acute way to resolve contradictions concerning views, goals, interests and opinions, whose methods usually go beyond moral rules and norms. Which is unacceptable. Especially in a marriage, in a family where there should be mutual understanding and respect, as mentioned earlier.

Reproduction

This is the last function that distinguishes a family from any other group. Initially, it stood alongside the household. Many families have children, which entails the emergence of several other functions - educational, implying the formation of the child's personality, and a teacher, aimed at inculcating the "flower of life" of certain skills. And this is very important not to forget. Unfortunately, in modern society, some people, having fulfilled the reproductive function, forget about the educational and training. And this is very bad, because children are a responsibility. If a child was born, then parents should do everything to make him a full-fledged, worthy member of society.