Family means a group of people who are related by blood, marriage or adoption and live together as one unit. It is the basic unit of society.

A primary social group is a small group of people who interact closely and personally with one another over a long time. Members share strong emotional bonds, trust, and a sense of belonging.

The family is called a primary social group because:

• Family members have close and personal relationships.


• They spend a lot of time together and support one another.


• It is where a child first learns how to behave and relate with others.


• It provides emotional security and a sense of identity.

1. Nuclear Family: This family consists of a father, mother, and their children.


2. Extended Family: This includes the nuclear family plus other relatives such as grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins living together or nearby.


3. Single Parent Family: This family has only one parent (mother or father) taking care of the children.


4. Blended Family: This family is formed when two families come together because of remarriage.

1. Family members provide food, clothing, and shelter for each other.


2. Family members love and care for one another, providing comfort and security.


3. The family teaches children manners, morals, customs, and culture.


4. The family protects its members from harm and danger.


5. Families bring new members into the society through childbirth or adoption.


6. Parents guide and help children with their education and moral development.

1. The family is the first school where a child learns how to behave and relate with others.


2. It helps to pass down culture, traditions, and values from one generation to another.


3. The family provides emotional and psychological support needed for personal growth.


4. It contributes to the stability and development of the society.

• Large Families: These families have many children and relatives. They may face problems like lack of enough resources, overcrowding, and difficulty in educating all children properly.


• Small Families: These have fewer members and can better provide care and resources. However, children may feel lonely or overly dependent on their parents.

• Changing Roles: Men and women now share household and work responsibilities more than before.


• Technology: Mobile phones and television sometimes reduce family communication and togetherness.


• Work and Family Balance: Parents find it hard to balance work and caring for their families.

1. Families are usually small enough for members to know each other well.


2. Family members meet often and share their thoughts and feelings.


3. Members love, trust, and care for each other.


4. Family ties often last a lifetime.


5. Families have common interests and work together for welfare.


6. Members help one another in times of need.

1. Consists of many members including parents, children, relatives.


2. Often includes extended family living together or nearby.


3. Resources such as money, food, and space may be limited.


4. Children may get less individual attention from parents.


5. More opportunities for social interaction among siblings and relatives.

1. Usually consists of parents and few children (sometimes only one or two).


2. Easier to manage resources and provide individual care.


3. Children get more attention and support from parents.


4. May have less social interaction within the family.


5. Parents often spend more time and resources on education and health of children.

1. Quality of Individual Life


• Large Families:


• Individuals may face limited access to education, healthcare, and food.


• Children may receive less parental care and guidance.


• Crowding and competition among siblings can occur.


• Small Families:


• Individuals usually enjoy better health, education, and care.


• More opportunities for personal development and success.


• Children may feel lonely or overly dependent on parents.


2. National Economy


• Large Families:


• May increase pressure on national resources like schools, hospitals, and jobs.


• Can lead to higher rates of poverty if family income is low.


• May slow down economic growth due to high dependency ratios.


• Small Families:


• Easier for government to provide education and healthcare.


• Can contribute positively to economic development through better-educated citizens.


• Smaller dependency ratios can lead to more productive workforce.