Roles individuals adopt within families

To satisfy the specific needs of family members, it is important to understand the resources they have available to them. For those family structures with more people, human resources are more readily available. For family structures that have employable members, non-human resources, such as money, may be more readily available; such families will be more likely to satisfy their specific needs.

In cases where needs cannot be satisfied, there are community supports such as the Department of Human Services. These resources help to provide an adequate standard of living, security and safety through financial support and housing.

Class Activity: Analyse how different family structures influence how needs are satisfied

In order to answer this question, students are to:

1. Split into six groups.

2. Each group will be allocated a specific need to focus on.

3. Complete the table below explaining how different family structures can influence how needs are met.

A family is the first place a child should feel a sense of belonging. Parents should model the qualities of good relationships for their children. These qualities will then carry on into future relationships and help to establish safe and secure family structures.

Relationships that aim to build positive relationships between family members should be characterised by:

• • showing respect for others

  • having trust and confidence in each other

  • sharing a purpose, intention of aspiration

  • being open and honest in communication

It can be argued that if the specific needs of a family are satisfied and positive relationships are built and maintained, wellbeing among family members will be achieved. However, for families who have been through hardship, wellbeing may be harder to meet - Periods of ill being will continue until needs – such as security, safety and health – are met.

1. Discuss how the needs of education and sense of identity are satisfied within an adoptive and foster family.

2. Compare and contrast how the needs of employment and adequate standard of living are satisfied within a extended and sole parent family.

Analyse how different family structures can influence the role individuals adopt. (6 marks)