Topic 5. Family is a Cradle for an Individual

1. The family is the most basic and ancient of all institutions, and it remains the fundamental social unit in every society.

2. An “ideal” family consists of a husband, a wife, and their dependent children. This particular family pattern, however, is far from typical. A more accurate conception of the family must take account of the many different family forms that have existed or still exist in different cultures.

3. Broadly speaking, the family is a group of people related by blood or law, living together or associating with one another for a common purpose.

4. What characteristics, then, are common to all family forms? First, the family consists of a group of people who are in some way related to one another. Second, the members live together for long periods. Third, the adults assume responsibility for any offspring. We may say, then, that the family is a relatively permanent group of people related by ancestry, marriage, who live together, form an economic unit, and take care of their young.

5. There are many different views on family life. Some people could not do without the support and love of their families. Others say it is the source of most of their problems and anxieties. Whatever the truth is, the family is definitely a powerful symbol. Turn on the television or open a magazine and you will see advertisements featuring happy, balanced families. Politicians often try to win votes by standing for “family values”: respect of parental authority, stability in marriage, chastity and care for the elderly.

6. There are people who say that traditional family is a thing of the past. They see many indications that the family is in decline, in such things as the acceptance of sex before marriage, the increased number of one-parent families, the current high divorce rate and what they see as a lack of discipline within the family. What is a strong family then?

7. People all over the world are trying to learn what makes strong families. Strong happy families share some patterns whether they are rich or poor, black or white. Strong, happy families spend time together, talk about their problems. Members of strong families show each other affection and appreciation and they are also committed to one another. People all over the world cherish the same values about their families.

8. Today, however, families are changing, but they are not disappearing. Families give us a sense of belonging and a sense of tradition. Families give us strength and purpose. Our families show us who we are.

9. The things we need most deeply in our lives – love, communication, respect and good relationships - have their beginnings in the family.

Дата добавления: 2015-07-20