Six Functions of the Family
1. Addition of New Members
 Families have children through birth, adoption, and may also use the
help of fertility clinics, etc.
Benefits to Canadian Society:
-Population increases
-Economy may improve (increased demand for goods/services)
2. Physical Care of Members
 Bathing children, feeding family, taking older parents to appointments,
etc.
Benefits to Canadian Society:
-Individuals within the population stay healthy
-Members will be able to contribute to society (especially when in good
health)
3. Socialization of Children
 Teaching children language, taking them to school, helping with
homework, taking children to cultural activities, church, etc.
Benefits to Canadian Society:
-Individuals will have the skills, knowledge, values, and attitudes consistent
with employability and citizenship expectations
-People will be educated, find careers, have their own families, earn money
4. Social Control of Members
 Teaching children right from wrong, discipline, etc.
Benefits to Canadian Society:
-Individuals will obey the laws of the society and country
5. Affective Nurturance (Love) & Maintaining Morale of Members
 Family members comfort children when crying, support them in making
decisions, etc.
Benefits to Canadian Society:
-Individuals will care for others in society
-Individuals will develop strong relationships and raise their own families
6. Producing and Consuming Goods and Services
 Parents or guardians earn money through work/careers, perform
household chores, pay bills, buy food and clothing, provide shelter, pay
for activities, etc.
Benefits to Canadian Society:
-Parents provide for their families
-Families contribute to society (economically)
-Families provide goods or services (through skills and employment)
-Families require goods and services (and will pay for them)