9th Standard, Social, Sociology Chapter 9
FAMILY
EXERCISES
I. Fill in the blanks with suitable words.
- The living cell of the society is family.
- When the father is the head of the family, that family is called Patriarchal family.
- Nairs of Malabar in Kerala is an example of Matriarchal family.
II. Answer the following questions. - The family is a unit of society. How?
Answer: Family is a unit of society. It is like a living cell. The community develops from a family, leading to the creation of a nation. Therefore the family is a unit of society. - Name the different kinds of families.
Answer: The different kinds of families are, - Patriarchal family
- Matriarchal family
- Modern nuclear family
- What do you mean by ‘Undivided Family’?
Answer: In an undivided family, there will be people of more than two generations consisting of parents, their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Normally it is a group of people living under one roof, eating food prepared in one kitchen, having equal rights to the property, engaging in same type of worship and having specific blood relatives. - What is meant by ‘Nuclear Family’?
Answer: A family having husband, wife and their unmarried children is called a modern nuclear family. This type is also called Primary family, Individual family or divided family. - What are the features of a family?
Answer: The features of a family are,
( i) Family is universal, it is a social system seen in all times and all countries.
( ii) Family is the core of society’.
( iii) It is from the family that neighbourhoods, villages, cities and nations have evolved.
( iv) Right from their childhood, the members of the family not only realise their social responsibilities but also understand co-operation.
(v) The social traditions, morality and behaviour are all controlled by the family.
(vi) The family is called a universal, permanent and traditional structure. - Mention the role of childhood and youth in the social developmental stages of an individual.
Answer: Childhood and youth occupy an important place in the social development of an individual. Not only does the child learn the mother tongue but also the fundamental social tenets. A child growing in a familial and social atmosphere develops related characteristics and gains friendly relations with other children of the same age. By mingling with others, the child develops leadership qualities, social behaviour, his/her requirements and restrictions that influences a child resulting in the formation of healthy social relationships. Later in youth, it leads to friendship, independence, security and social acceptance. The behaviour and habits developed in the youth continue in the adult and old ages. - Explain the features of an undivided family.
Answer: The features of an undivided family are, - Large size: Blood relatives live permanently in the same house. The size of the family is big.
- Property: All the members of the family are owners of the property. An undivided family runs on the basis of interpersonal co-operation of all the members. Its head acts as a religious head.
- Residence: All the members of the family normally live under the same roof.
- Kitchen: The members of an undivided family usually prepare the food in the same kitchen and consume it together.
- Religion: Normally all the members of an undivided family follow the same religion. They worship the same gods.
- Self-reliant: An undivided family is mostly self-dependent. It fulfils the majority of their needs. All members share the household chores. The work is divided according to the effort needed to do the job, the member’s age and gender.
- Structure of authority: The oldest member of the undivided family has the authority to take decisions. Even when he transfers it, the policy of seniority in age is followed.
- What are the reasons for the increase in the number of divided families?
Answer: The reasons for the increase in the number of divided families are Privacy, personal happiness, self-contentment, property rights, changing social values, geographical and social structure, advances in science and technology, industrialisation, urbanisation, principles of democracy and equality, decline of religious faith and thinking, spread of materialistic attitude and freedom of women.
III. Activities: - Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of divided and undivided families.
Answer:
Nuclear Family (Divided): Advantages:
Increased Privacy: Members enjoy more personal space and freedom to make individual decisions.
Greater Independence: Individuals have more autonomy in daily life and decision-making.
Stronger Parent-Child Bond: Parents can dedicate more focused attention to their children.
Potential for Financial Stability: Smaller family size can lead to more manageable expenses.
Disadvantages:
Lack of Support: Reduced emotional and practical support during challenging times.
Potential Isolation: May feel disconnected from extended family and community.
Higher Childcare Costs: If both parents work, childcare expenses can be significant.
Increased Financial Burden: May experience greater financial strain if one parent is solely responsible for income.
Joint Family (Undivided): Advantages:
Strong Emotional Support: Members can rely on each other for emotional and practical assistance.
Financial Stability: Shared resources can reduce individual economic burdens and provide cost-effective living arrangements.
Shared Responsibilities: Household chores and childcare tasks are distributed among family members.
Enhanced Socialization: Children grow up with a strong sense of community and learn to share and cooperate.
Tax Benefits: In some cases, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) can enjoy tax advantages.
Disadvantages:
Reduced Privacy: Lack of personal space and potential for interference in personal matters.
Potential for Conflict: Disagreements and power struggles can arise among family members.
Financial Disputes: Managing shared finances can lead to disagreements and tensions.
Dependency: Members may become overly reliant on each other, hindering personal growth.
Less Freedom: Individuals may have limited freedom to make their own decisions and pursue their own interests. - Visit a tribal area and learn about their family system.
Answer: Tribal societies often have strong kinship bonds, with extended families or clans forming the core of their social organization. Many tribal communities emphasize extended families, where multiple generations live together and share resources. Kinship ties are crucial, influencing social interactions, inheritance, and community decision-making. Clans, which are larger kinship groups, often play a significant role in tribal societies. Tribes may practice endogamy (marrying within the tribe) or exogamy (marrying outside the tribe), sometimes with specific rules for clans within the tribe. Marriage customs vary; some tribes have arranged marriages, while others allow for more freedom of choice in selecting a spouse. In some tribes, polygamy (having more than one spouse) is permitted, while in others, it is not. Gender roles and division of labour are often well-defined within tribal families. Family members are typically actively involved in the community’s economic activities, such as agriculture, hunting, gathering, or herding. Elders often play a respected role in family and community decision-making. Tribal families often maintain strong traditions and customs passed down through generations. Each tribe has its own unique social structure and kinship system, reflecting its history and environment.
IV. Projects: - Collect more information about matriarchal and patriarchal families.
Answer: Patriarchal and matriarchal families represent opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of family structure and authority. In a patriarchal family, the father or eldest male is the head of the household, with authority and lineage typically traced through the male line. Conversely, in a matriarchal family, the mother or eldest female figure holds the primary authority and leadership role, with lineage and inheritance often passing through the female line.
Matriarchal Family: Men are the head of the household and exercise authority. Lineage, inheritance, and succession are traced through the male line (patrilineal). Residence is typically patrilocal, with the wife joining the husband’s family. Women often have a secondary position and may be subject to male control.
Patriarchal Family: The mother or eldest female is the head of the household. Decision-making power is centred around her. Lineage and inheritance may be traced through the female line (matrilineal). Residence may be matrilocal, with the husband joining the wife’s family.
