The Family As The Basic Unit of Society
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Rommel Luis C. Israel IIIThe Family As The Basic Unit of Society
Uploaded by
Rommel Luis C. Israel IIIThe Family as the Basic Unit of Society
I. Introduction
The family is recognized as the basic unit of society and of health services.
It serves as the primary social group where values, health behaviors, and cultural
norms are learned.
In community health nursing, understanding the family as a client is crucial for
promoting, maintaining, and restoring health.
II. Definitions of Family
A. Biological Definition
A group related by blood, marriage, or adoption.
B. Sociological Definition
A social institution that performs essential functions for society.
C. WHO Definition
The family is the primary unit of society where health behavior, health
care, and health promotion first begin.
D. Nursing Perspective
The family is both a unit of care and a context for care, influencing the
health status of its members.
III. Types of Families
A. According to Structure
1. Nuclear Family – parents and their children.
2. Extended Family – nuclear family plus relatives (grandparents, aunts, uncles).
3. Blended Family – families formed by remarriage; includes step-siblings/step-
parents.
4. Single-Parent Family – one parent raising children.
5. Cohabiting Family – partners living together without legal marriage.
B. According to Authority
1. Patriarchal – father/oldest male holds authority.
2. Matriarchal – mother/oldest female holds authority.
3. Egalitarian – authority shared between parents.
4.
IV. Functions of the Family
A. Biological – reproduction, care, and protection of young.
B. Socialization – transmission of values, norms, culture, and social roles.
By: ROMMEL LUIS C. ISRAEL III
Clinical Instructor
C. Economic – provision of basic needs, financial security, and resource
management.
D. Affective/Emotional – love, belongingness, security, and support.
E. Health Care – recognizing illness, providing care, and seeking professional help
when needed.
V. Developmental Stages of the Family(Duvall’s Developmental Tasks Theory)
A. Beginning Family (marriage, establishing household).
B. Childbearing Family (birth/infant care).
C. Family with Preschool Children (socialization, safety, health promotion).
D. Family with School-Age Children (education, discipline, peer relationships).
E. Family with Adolescents (independence, identity formation, communication).
F. Family with Young Adults (launching children, role changes).
G. Middle-Aged Parents (empty nest, adjusting to aging).
H. Aging Family Members (retirement, health maintenance, bereavement).
VI. Family Health Tasks
A. Recognizing health problems – identifying deviations from normal health.
B. Deciding to take action – determining whether to seek help.
C. Providing home care – giving immediate care and support.
D. Seeking professional care – utilizing health services.
E. Maintaining a healthy home environment – sanitation, safety, nutrition.
F. Maintaining family lifestyle – promoting healthy habits, recreation, spiritual
growth.
G. Coping with crises – managing stress, illness, or loss.
VII. Implications for Community Health Nursing
A. Families are partners in care, not just recipient
B. Nursing interventions must consider:
1. Family structure and roles
2. Health beliefs and practices
3. Developmental stage and current tasks
4. Strengths and resources of the family
5. A holistic approach ensures health promotion for individuals, families,
and the community.
References
Allender, J. A., Rector, C., & Warner, K. D. (2013). Community & public health nursing:
Promoting the public’s health (8th ed.). Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
By: ROMMEL LUIS C. ISRAEL III
Clinical Instructor
Clark, M. J. (2015). Population and community health nursing (6th ed.). Pearson.
Kaakinen, J. R., Coehlo, D. P., Steele, R., Tabacco, A., & Hanson, S. M. H. (2018). Family
health care nursing: Theory, practice, and research (6th ed.). F.A. Davis Company.
Maurer, F. A., & Smith, C. M. (2013). Community/public health nursing practice: Health for
families and populations (5th ed.). Elsevier Saunders.
McEwen, M., & Wills, E. M. (2019). Theoretical basis for nursing (5th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
Stanhope, M., & Lancaster, J. (2016). Public health nursing: Population-centered health care in
the community (9th ed.). Elsevier.
World Health Organization. (2010). Framework for action on interprofessional education and
collaborative practice. WHO Press.
By: ROMMEL LUIS C. ISRAEL III
Clinical Instructor
