THE FAMILY AS A SOCIAL GROUP: AN OUTLINE FOR INQUIRY

The following basic questions are explored as providing guidelines for future study of the fam: (1) What are the forms that the fam takes? (2) Internal to the fam, what are the component units, their relationships & activities, & norms? (3) What is the relation of the fam to the larger kin group? (4) What relationships does the fam have with the larger society? (5) What changes are noted in the fam as the society moves from traditional to modern? Changes in the structure & function of the fam as brought about by modernization are related to changes in values, norms, & att's which reflect the increasing independence of the individual. The fam thus caught in the process where society-wide changes are forcing a re-evaluation of its functions, a re-structuring of its relationships, & a re-definition of its norms will manifest strains & stresses. These manifestations may easily be mistaken for fam disorg or loss of function, but may not be. The fam in a state of disorg is one that ceases to discharge any of its functions as a unit, or where a member is unable to perform his role adequately. In this case, assistance to the fam might emphasize reorg (of the role structure within the fam & the relationships within the fam). Further data collection & analysis should aim for a typology of fam problems, understanding of fam components & development of strategies for solution of problems. M. Maxfield.