The Irreplaceable Functionality of the Family Institution

Abstract

No historical or contemporary society has yet been discovered that lacks universal basic institutions. Fundamental institutions, which are extremely important for all cultures, are classified as the family, education, economy, politics, and leisure time evaluation institutions, forming the institutional system of the total culture. The science of sociology ranks the family institution first in the classification of universal basic institutions. What changes are the family traditions in Turkish or other societies. Examining the family as a fundamental universal institution must begin with the abstraction of the concept of institution. The family fulfills positive functions such as social control over individuals and groups, ensuring the stability and resilience of culture, the socialization of individuals, providing ready-made patterns for roles and relationships, and social integration. Furthermore, negative functions such as resisting social progress, hindering individuals' social potential, and delaying change are also evident in the family, as in all institutions, showing two different characteristics. There are universal groups that carry out the activities of every universal institution and are known by the same name. Accordingly, the family group consists of individuals who come together to meet their basic life needs. The family's basic needs include psychosocial solidarity, shelter, nutrition, security, socialization, engagement, marriage, weddings, the legitimate satisfaction of sexual needs, mutual trust, the birth and regular care of children, their education and upbringing, funeral rituals, etc., which also encompass sub-institutions.