Individual and Family: Definitions, Functions, Types, and Patterns

Flashcards covering definitions of family-related terms, functions, types, and Caribbean family patterns.

Family

A group related by blood, marriage, adoption, or other factor, sharing a domestic unit.

Monogamy

Marriage of one man to one woman.

Polygamy

Marriage between more than one person

Polygyny

One man having two or more wives.

Polyandry

One woman having two or more husbands.

Patrilocal

Couple resides with the husband’s parents.

Matrilocal

Couple resides with the wife’s parents.

Neolocal

Couple establishes their own residence.

Matrilineal

Privileges and duties follow the female line.

Patrilineal

Privileges and duties follow the male line.

Matriarchal

Female has dominant authority as head of the household.

Patriarchal

Male has dominant authority as head of the household.

Patrifocal

Family patterns where the father has responsibility.

Matrifocal

Family patterns where the mother has responsibility.

Marriage

A legal union between two persons, a man and a woman.

Endogamy

Choosing a partner from within own ethnic group, tribe, religion, or class.

Exogamy

Choosing a partner from outside own ethnic group, tribe, religion, or class.

Divorce

A legal end or dissolution of a legally contracted marriage.

Legal separation

Husband and wife live apart as ordered by a court of law.

Annulment

Declaration by a religious leader/church that a marriage is invalid.

Alimony

Maintenance payment to a man or woman from either partner after divorce/separation.

Kinship

Family relationship.

Status

A social position or rank.

List five functions of the family in contemporary Caribbean society.

Unit of procreation, social unit for rearing children, economic/financial unit, social unit for emotional needs, cultural transmission.

Nuclear family

Mother, father, children.

Extended family

Grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, mother, father, children.

Sibling household

Older sibling(s) looking after younger siblings in absence of parents.

Single-parent family

One parent raising children.

Reconstituted family

Formed from former families (step-parents, step-siblings).

Marriage (Types of Unions)

A legal union between a man and a woman.

Visiting relationship

Partners live separately but are involved sexually; children may result.

Common law (consensual) union

Man and woman living together in mutual agreement based on love without legal marriage.

What are some responsibilities of GRANDPARENTS in the family?

Assist in raising children, contribute to social/emotional/economic development, solve marital problems, babysit, pass on traditions.

What are some responsibilities of PARENTS in the family?

Provide basic economic needs, socialize children, offer emotional security, communicate, pass on tradition.

What are some responsibilities of CHILDREN in the family?

Assist in running the home, be respectful.

Which groups influenced the Caribbean family structure?

Africans, Asians, Europeans, and Amerindians

Why were Africans not allowed to marry under slavery?

Marriage was a right denied to them by the Europeans.

What did the Amerindians believe about newly weds?

Newly weds should not have sexual relation until after three days, because they have received the body of Jesus Christ to whom respect is due.

What customs of family beginnings did the Europeans have?

Dating, courtship, engagement, and marriage precedes the establishment of a family. Marriage partners were chosen for love.

List factors that contributed to the changing roles of members of the Caribbean family.

Status of women in society, choice of employment, educational opportunity, available technology, leisure activities.

List results of the changing role of members in the family.

Identity crisis, role conflict, independence, development of self-esteem and confidence of women, marginalisation of males.

What considerations should be accounted for in preparation for parenthood?

Physical, economic, emotional, and psychological preparation.

What traits are associated with a good parent?

A good listener, a good role model, someone who makes time for family, someone who displays unconditional love.

List contemporary social issues.

Substance abuse, teenage pregnancies, child abuse, domestic violence, sexually transmitted diseases, poverty, street children, suicide