The Family and Responsible Parenthood The family which is the oldest and most universal institution is the

basic social institution societies cherished and protected by the state. The Husband and The father is the leader or head and his authority is respected. He sets rules for all the members to observe in order to maintain order, discipline and harmony. He keeps himself employed or occupied so that he can support his family or provide them with the necessities of life. The Wife and Mother The mother is the heart. She also holds the family together by managing the household and directing the lives of its members. The Children In the Filipino family, the children acknowledge and respect the authority of the home. Functions of the Filipino Family The functions of the Filipino family are: 1.The family regulates the sexual behavior and is the unit for reproduction. 2.The family perform the function of biological maintenance. 3. The family is the chief agency in socializing the child. 4. The family give its members status. 5.The family is an important mechanism for social control. 6. The family is an important economics unit. 7. The family has an educational function. 8.The family has a recreational function. 9. The family has a religious function. 10. The family has political function. The Importance of Family The following are the importance of the family:

1.The strong or weak mental and physical aspects of the organism inherited from the parents can be developed in the family. 2.In the family the child learns the meaning of social responsibility and the necessity for cooperation.It plays a significant role in socializing persons. 3.The family is transmitted of culture. 4.The family serves as model for the establishment of another family. Problems Confronting the Filipino Family The problem confront the Filipino family today as follows: 1.Gambling- is a problem confronting the family because it deprives the family of such funds as should be spent in the home, often times it leads of poverty. 2.The movies -is a form of recreation there are many films that tell stories that are destructive specially to the young. 3.Lack of adequate preparation for married life boys and girls who marry at an early age do not know the responsibilities of a husband or a wife. 4.Imprudent choice in marriage-Present- day marriages are undertaken by teenagers w/out parental consent or advice. 5.The effects of city life- in the city the members of the family spend most of their time outside the home. 6.The practice of birth control and abortion- which used to be one of the serious social problems in the Filipino home is now an official Philippine democratic policy. 7.The practice of divorce- there is no absolute divorce but relative divorce or legal separation is sanctioned by law. According to Eugene M. Walter and A.B. Billengsley, the following are the three vitally important and basic principles which are the backbone of a stable and happy family: 1.Give Yourself to Your Family 2.Private family activities a must 3.Communicate with your family
Reference: Contemporary Social Problems and Issues Reporter by: Juvelyn Iez- BSSW-IV Thank you!