Features of the family as given by Maclver
The family is an organization par excellence. Of all the social organizations, large or small, family is of the greatest sociological significance. It occupies the central position in our social structure. The family, unlike other institutions, enjoys a unique position in society.
Maclver has elaborated on the distinctive features of family as follows-
Universality:
Family is the most basic universal social unit. It is found worldwide and in every type of culture and there is no substitute for family. Civilizations rise and collapse, but the family lives forever. Family, therefore, is a universal group.
Emotional basis:
A family integrates all the family members into a coherent unit based on emotional closeness. Affection toward each other, mutual cooperation and blood ties are the integrative bonds of the family. This emotional bond ensures early education, cultural transmission and mutual trust. Thus, the family becomes a shelter for the people in this hostile and competitive world.
Limited Size:
The family is very small in size. It is known as the smallest primary group. It is a small social institution. It includes the husband and wife and the persons born in it or adopted. The relations among the members of family are direct, intimate, close, personal and permanent. This is possible only due to small size of the family. Further, the smallness of the family brings stability to the family.
Nuclear position in social structures:
The family is the nucleus of all other social organizations. The whole social structure is built of family units. It influences the whole life of society. The newly born child has to be taught and disciplined properly and only then can he be adjusted to the wider world. This purpose is served only by the family.
Responsibility of the Members:
The family members have a deep sense of responsibility and obligation towards the family. Due to this sense of responsibility, the family members discharge their duties. All the members of the family have joint responsibilities. In the family, the children learn about responsibility and cooperation.
Formative influence:
The family is the earliest social environment which surrounds, trains and educates the child. It shapes the personality and moulds the character of its members.
Social regulation:
Family unity is maintained and the adjustment between the family and society becomes possible as a result of social regulations. The social restrictions enable the members to behave in a socially useful manner and family is believed to be a strong basis on which the fabric of society is dependent to a great extent. Thus, for example, there are social restrictions on divorce in almost every society.
Persistence and Change:
The family may be permanent and temporary by nature. As an institution, it is permanent. When a couple, after marriage, settle in an independent residence, the family continues to exist with other members. Hence, family is permanent as an institution. Family, on the other hand, is temporary and transitional. Because the structure of the family changes over time in terms of size, composition and status of persons.
Sometimes we find two brothers of the same family living separately with their wives and children. Still, they are bound by a number of relationships of many kinds, thereby giving a new dimension to the composition and nature of family in modern times.
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