How A Family Functions Is More Important ✓ Solved

The Text States That How A Family Functions Is More Important For T

The text states that, “How a family functions is more important for the children than the structure of their family,” (Berger, 2016, p. 422). In your own words describe the difference in family function and structure. Select one family structure as noted in Table 13.2 on page 420 of the course text to demonstrate how it can function to meet the five common needs of children noted on page 418 of the text. Review the information on pages in your course text describing the influence of peers.

Friendships, Popularity, and Bullying are each described in the text. Select one to focus on and in your own word note their potential negative consequences on child social development. Describe how they can be supported to overcome this. The text describes Kohlberg’s Levels of Moral Thought (pp. ) Using this theoretical framework and Table 13.3, describe a moral decision you have observed or recall making and apply Kohlberg’s theory. In your response indicate which Level and Stage the moral decision represents.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Understanding the dynamics of family and peer influence is crucial in comprehending children's social and moral development. This essay explores the distinctions between family function and structure, examines how specific family setups meet children's needs, analyzes the impact of peer relationships—particularly bullying—on social development, and applies Kohlberg’s stages of moral reasoning to real-life moral decision-making.

Family Function vs. Family Structure

Family structure refers to the composition or arrangement of a family unit, such as nuclear, extended, or single-parent configurations (Berger, 2016). It defines who is present but does not necessarily indicate how the family operates. Conversely, family function pertains to how family members interact and fulfill roles to meet their needs, such as emotional support, economic stability, and socialization (Berk, 2018). For example, a single-parent family may have varying degrees of functioning depending on parenting practices, communication, and support systems.

Family Structure and Meeting Children's Needs

Choosing a specific family structure, the nuclear family, as depicted in Table 13.2 (p. 420), illustrates how it can effectively meet children’s needs. The five common needs of children include attachment, achievement, identity, social competence, and emotional regulation (Lamb, 2013). A functional nuclear family fosters secure attachment through consistent caregiving, encourages achievement via parental support, nurtures identity development through guidance and reinforcement, promotes social competence by model and reinforcement of social skills, and supports emotional regulation through nurturing and open communication (Berger, 2016). When the family actively meets these needs, children are more likely to develop resilience and social competence.

The Influence of Peers on Child Social Development

Peer relationships significantly influence social development, with friendships, popularity, and bullying playing critical roles. Focusing on bullying, it often results in negative consequences such as lowered self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal (Duncan et al., 2014). Children subjected to bullying may experience difficulties trusting peers and forming healthy relationships later in life (Espelage & Swearer, 2015). To mitigate these effects, schools and families can implement anti-bullying programs, foster inclusive environments, and teach children conflict resolution and empathy skills. Support systems, counseling, and promoting positive peer interactions are essential in helping victims recover and build resilience.

Kohlberg’s Levels of Moral Thought and Application

Kohlberg’s theory posits that moral reasoning develops through stages across three levels: pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional (Kohlberg, 1981). Using this framework, I recall a moral decision involving honesty. I once found a wallet containing cash on the street. At the time, my decision to return it to the owner or keep it reflects different Kohlberg stages. If I kept the wallet because I wanted to avoid trouble, it aligns with the pre-conventional level, Stage 2—instrumental relativist orientation. However, if I returned it because I believed it was right and expected by society, it reflects the conventional level, Stage 3—good boy/nice girl orientation. Ultimately, my decision to return the wallet was driven by a belief in the moral importance of honesty, aligning with Kohlberg’s Stage 4—law and order orientation (Kohlberg, 1981).

Conclusion

The functioning of a family impacts a child's development more profoundly than mere structural arrangements. Family systems that meet children’s core needs facilitate healthy social growth. Peer influences like bullying can hinder social development but can be addressed through targeted interventions. Applying Kohlberg’s moral development theory helps illuminate how children make ethical decisions, emphasizing the progression from self-interest to principled reasoning.

References

• Berk, L. E. (2018). Child Development (9th ed.). Pearson.
• Berger, K. S. (2016). The Developing Person through Childhood and Adolescence. Worth Publishers.
• Duncan, L., Updegraff, K., & McHale, S. (2014). Peer relationships in childhood and adolescence. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 55(6), 621–636.
• Espelage, D. L., & Swearer, S. M. (2015). Bullying in North American Schools. Routledge.
• Kohlberg, L. (1981). Essays on Moral Development: Volume One: The Philosophy of Moral Development. Harper & Row.
• Lamb, M. E. (2013). Child development: An essential guide. Blackwell Publishing.