Explain the positive and negative roles that rules can play in the family system. Please identify some of the roles that might occur in the family.
The family is an important social unit and as such needs to be regulated up to a certain extent. However it is important that not too much regulation is applied since this will mean that rebellion can occur and some children will take steps to show that they are independent and of their own mind.
The role of the mother is perhaps the most important part of the family unit. She will nurture her children and spend most of her time with them and thus the children will look up to her for ideas and mannerisms. She will control some of the children’s thoughts and foibles and they will imitate her especially if a daughter is one of the children.
The father has a different role and it is mostly one of authority. He will set rules and regulations in the family and ensure that a set plan is adhered to especially with regards to finances. The children will ask him for advice on certain problems but they are more likely to recount emotional problems to their mother. They will probably go to the father when they have some sort of problem with work or money. He will also probably take care of their educational expenses although the mother might even participate in these.
Although it is important that families stick to rules, problems may occur if these rules are too strict or if they create unnecessary tension and conflict. Self-regulation in the family should occur from an early age as this also facilitates life and creates an atmosphere of harmony and independence which are crucial to the functioning of the family unit.
References:
Schneider, David 1984 A Critique of the Study of Kinship. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press. p. 182
Russon, John, (2003) Human Experience: Philosophy, Neurosis, and the Elements of Everyday Life, Albany: State University of New York Press. pp. 61–68.
