From a range of social institutions that form different mechanisms and principles of interaction among people, one can single out the institution of the family as one of the most extensive and understandable for people. According to Kendall (2011), this institute reflects “ideologies and standardized patterns of behavior that organize family life” (p. 117). The family carries stable forms of relationships and roles, and the responsibilities imposed on its members are clearly determined and recognized in society. Therefore, this social institution has the greatest impact on family members as a group directly related to it and forming its basis.
The social institution of the family is a useful association for family members as the target group. As Kendall (2011) notes, when building healthy relationships, older generations educate younger ones, and personal growth begins in the family. In addition, basic cognitive skills and abilities arise in the family when, under the guidance of loved ones, the child learns about the world and how to interact with others. At the same time, in the case of incorrect or unhealthy behavioral patterns promoted in the family, the development of its members can be impaired and lead to difficulties and negative emotions. For instance, physical violence, vagrancy, and some other factors reflect unhealthy forms of family ties and emphasize that the institution of the family affects people significantly and largely determines their standard of living. Caring and healthy interaction, conversely, are considered positive drivers and are important aspects of the favorable development of people within this social institution. Thus, the influence of the family on its members is large, and negative behavioral patterns are the reasons for the adoption of harmful habits or lifestyles by younger vulnerable generations.
Reference
Kendall, D. (2011). Sociology in our times: The essentials (8th ed.). Wadsworth Publishing.