Exploring the Evolution and Significance of the Family

This essay examines the evolving concept and enduring significance of the family in contemporary society. It begins by acknowledging the impact of technological and cultural changes on family structures, while asserting that the family institution remains crucial. The essay contrasts traditional definitions of family with modern, more inclusive perspectives that encompass diverse forms, including single-parent families, same-sex parent families, and families with adopted children. It emphasizes the family's role in providing basic needs, emotional support, and a sense of belonging, highlighting qualities such as commitment, communication, and the ability to cope with stress. Drawing on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, the essay underscores the family's function in fulfilling psychological and emotional needs, which contribute to the well-being of its members. Additionally, it references studies that link family stability with healthier lifestyles and concludes by reiterating the family's vital role in nurturing personal growth and influencing its members' lives.

Running head: FAMILY
FAMILY
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1FAMILY
Life has changed over pass few years. The development in the field of science had led
to innovations due to various technological advancement, ever-changing cultural notions and
value, newer ways of communications, which is aided by the advancement of internet
technology there might be a feeling , a notion that concept of family is no longer prevalent in
the modern society. However, that is not the actual scenario. The institution of family is still
very much relevant in the recent time. It might have evolved over the time. The definition of
family might have changed over time, but the importance remains the same (Hakim, 2018).
As per the earlier definitions of the family, there was one-man and one woman who were
married together and they had a kid. The grandparents might be living together with the
parent and their grandchild as an important part of the family. Although the practice of
grandparents living with the whole family is no longer in motion in majority of the family
since a long time (Garner, de la, and Paula, 2014). Around the year 1950`s, the concept of an
ideal family which would includes a father, a mother and two children or offspring that they
had together in the wedlock. According to the modern notion of family, the recent idea of
family is somehow “open and inclusive”. In recent times, the idea and concept of Family may
include the two parents who might be of same gender. It can be either male or female. In
addition, the parents can be either married or unmarried. At times in many cases, there are
families where there are more than three parents. The children in the family might be born to
one of the parents, both the parents or might be adopted by both of the parents. (White,
Martin and Adamsons, 2018)Due to increasing pressure in the modern times, the need for a
family has increase more than ever. Life is much easier and smoother when one does not
need to suffer alone and we have the love and support of our near and dear ones. A family
can be termed as the basic social unit, which is responsible to provide the basic necessities of
life like food, clothing and shelter to the members of the family who cannot afford those.
They members may include the senior citizens, the kids or the disabled.

2FAMILY
The various strength of a family can be categories into different qualities like
“commitment to the family members, appreciation and affection towards the family
members, positive communication with the family members, spending quality time together
with members of the family which gives a sense of spiritual well-being. In addition, the
ability to cope with stress with the help of care and supports from the family members in the
time of crisis” (Baxter, 2016).
According to the “Hierarchy of need” the as mentioned by the eminent philosopher
Abram Maslow which showed the various need that are very important for a human being in
a pyramid form. According to the Maslow “Hierarchy of need” pyramid in the base the basic
psychological need of food clothing and shelter needs to be fulfilled tin order to reach the
upper layers of security and need of love and belonging. A healthy loving and caring family
can fulfill all these needs and requirements. A family is responsible to provide mental
satisfaction and emotional support which his required for good health. Many a times, people
have a good news or information to share, however since they are not living with their family
or are living alone, they are unable to share that news. People who are in a good healthy
family can plan on vacations together. They can plan to spend quality time together. They can
also plan to go to events like concerts together, go shopping together or even go for a quite
walk in the park together. A healthy family tries to find out spending time together. This will
give peace happiness and metal satisfaction. People who are in a healthy family have access
to theses every day joys and happiness that some people who are not having a family don't
have” (Newland, 2015). According to latest official reports, parents whose children live with
them goes to live a much heather life. They tents to eat healthier food, they tend to reduce or
quit smoking and drinking. In addition, they stop doing drugs and they tend to stay more
active. In a similar way, children when they stay with their parents, tends to leads a much

3FAMILY
healthier life. A healthy family tends to provide all kinds of support to every member of the
family, be it the process of lending money. On the other hand, be it case of providing
emotional and social support in any case scenario. Talking specifically about the medical
issues or health problems, it can be real nightmare when a person is living all by himself or
herself. All the transportation, doctors appointments, medicines can be real hassle when one
falls sick. A good loving and caring family can solve all theses problem. (Lee and
McLanahan, 2015).
Hence, it can be conclude that a family plays an important role in one’s life. A family
is the one who gives love and support to each one of its members. A family is the one who
teaches each of its members the importance of love, affection, sharing and caring in the time
both joy and happiness. A good caring family is responsible for personal growth of its
member and has a significant influence.

4FAMILY
REFERENCES
Baxter, J., 2016. The modern Australian family. Melbourne: Australian Institute of Family
Studies.
Garner, E., de la O, C. and Paula, A., 2014. Identifying the family farm. An informal
discussion of the concepts and definitions.
Hakim, C., 2018. Models of the Family in Modern Societies: Ideals and Realities: Ideals and
Realities. Routledge.
Lee, D. and McLanahan, S., 2015. Family structure transitions and child development:
Instability, selection, and population heterogeneity. American sociological review, 80(4),
pp.738-763.
Newland, L.A., 2015. Family well‐being, parenting, and child well‐being: Pathways to
healthy adjustment. Clinical Psychologist, 19(1), pp.3-14.
White, J.M., Martin, T.F. and Adamsons, K., 2018. Family theories: An introduction. Sage
Publications.