SOCIETY THE BASICS
SOCIETY THE BASICS
14th Edition
ISBN: 9781323732120
Author: Macionis
Publisher: PEARSON
Question
Book Icon
Chapter 13, Problem 1CYL-P379
Summary Introduction

Introduction

Families provide four main functions that help society operate. Socialization is used to pass on the norms and values of society, including regulation of sexual activity, which prevents incest and maintains property rights. Other functions include social organization, meaning that parents pass on their social identity, and material and emotional security for family members (in other words “heaven in a heartless world”).

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Explanation of Solution

Answer and explanation

The four important functions of the family include socialization as a way of passing on the norms and values of society. An example is patriotism or religion. Regulation of sexual activity is another function that helps maintain property rights in terms of inheritance, which keeps money concentrated in a few rich families and also helps prevent incestuous actions. Families also provide social organization as parents pass on their social identity to their children, so that the reputation or social status of the family is maintained across generations. Finally families provide material and emotional security that is not available from others in society, An example is a home to come back to if an adult child's business venture failed.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Social Psychology (10th Edition)
Sociology
ISBN:9780134641287
Author:Elliot Aronson, Timothy D. Wilson, Robin M. Akert, Samuel R. Sommers
Publisher:Pearson College Div
Text book image
Introduction to Sociology (Eleventh Edition)
Sociology
ISBN:9780393639407
Author:Deborah Carr, Anthony Giddens, Mitchell Duneier, Richard P. Appelbaum
Publisher:W. W. Norton & Company
Text book image
The Basics of Social Research (MindTap Course Lis...
Sociology
ISBN:9781305503076
Author:Earl R. Babbie
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Scien...
Sociology
ISBN:9780134477596
Author:Saferstein, Richard
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach (13th Edition)
Sociology
ISBN:9780134205571
Author:James M. Henslin
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Society: The Basics (14th Edition)
Sociology
ISBN:9780134206325
Author:John J. Macionis
Publisher:PEARSON