Read the Chapter and answer a few questions regarding Family and Religion - Essay Example

Family and Religion Question The critical or indispensable roles played by the family in building the community have prompted numerous people besides sociologists to refer it as “The backbone of society” (Macionis, 2011). Primarily, besides its core role of imparting its members with the necessary moral values meant to fit in a social fabric, it also instills in them a sense of belonging. Other functions entail,Family usually moulds its members into active, responsible and well-integrated people capable of fitting effectively in the global community (Macionis, 2011).

Mainly, this entails learning from each other despite one’s age or class, which prompts an individual to emulate good interpersonal relationships besides understanding diverse human differences. For illustration, parents and children while in a family setting usually learn from each other, which aids them know how to resolve diverse misunderstandings that may arise in their midst. Family contributes immensely in promoting the regulation of sexual activity in a society where members learn how to relate well with the opposite or same gender besides knowing whom to marry (Macionis, 2011).

This helps to shun diverse genetic inheritance predicaments that may emanate from marrying one’s relatives or committing incest, which is a taboo and against numerous divine teachings. Besides procreation, it also aids in maintaining social organization where the parents usually passes on their own uniqueness to the children. For illustration, race, ethnicity or their social class (Macionis, 2011). Family normally offers material, emotional, psychological security and support, which is evident from the way its members who have stayed together for long seem to be happier, healthier and wealth (Macionis, 2011).

This is because of mutual interdependence that is evident among them. However, other institutions that normally offer community services or assistance they cannot outdo family’s intervention in building a society despite their efforts (Macionis, 2011). These encompass religious, NGOS and governmental organization (Macionis, 2011). Since, the relationships that abound among the members in these levels are not that deeper or coupled with love as compared to a family setting. Sometimes these institutions while executing their roles or in ensuring that each member complies effectively; normally employ excessive force.

Hence, this worsens the situation instead of improving it or molding the members into reliable citizens. Question 2 U.S Family in the next fifty years will have undergone tremendous alteration, which is evident from the present signs and challenges (Macionis, 2011). For instance, owing to numerous marital violence experienced by its immediate members, the popularity of marriage will have faded. Hence, lack its essential meaning where the people will be using it to satiate their diverse greedy needs like those entailing materialistic pursuits.

Since, there will be an option for divorce owing to the increasing rate of moral decay due to secularism and especially when the parties fail to get along well despite the presence of prenuptial agreements (Macionis, 2011). In addition, divorce rates will triple the current numbers due to secularism despite people recognizing the presence of divine power. Since, numerous people at the time will not be adhering to divine teachings because of being slack in their faith. Mainly, this is evident from the presend trend of numerous people who have turned to be denominational hoppers or wanderers where they do lack adequate time to grow and mature spiritually.

Hence, people will have no morals and adequate information regarding the essence of marriage institution. The issue regarding the number of children per family or parent will decrease. Mainly, this is due to the fading urge of bearing more children among the young people by then due to unpredictable economy where catering for them to be responsible people will be a great challenge. Hence, the number will be one child per family/parent or none (Macionis, 2011). Owing to high rate of moral decay that will be evident in the next fifty years, the number of single parents will be high due to irresponsibility of the young men.

Presently, this trend is evident where the African American has the highest percentage rates of the singles compared to other races. Besides, the choice of young women to have children outside the institution will also contribute to the heightening of the statistics. Finally, gender differences in the marriage institution regarding spouses of the same sex will cease being a taboo or against divine teachings. Since secularization will have eroded all moral consciousness in U.S in the next fifty years.

Presently, this is evident where the number of states passing laws regarding homosexuals, lesbianism or same sex marriages is increasing annually (Macionis, 2011).ReferencesMacionis, J. J. (2011). Society: The basics. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall.