The identity of family: An educative challenge

Abstract

Family is the basic unit of society. The functions of the family,basically, care, socialization and education are necessary for human development. Research evidences explain these claimsin a positive sense, when family can fulfill these functions, and ina negative sense, when family isn't able. In these pages the argument runs on the need to reflect on the identity of the familyto assess what contribution the development the families can bring. From a sociological approach and following the ideas of Relational Sociology (Pierpaolo Donati), discourse extendsbeyond the issue of family functions. The explanation of whatthe family is an educational challenge in our context. The ideasabout the meaning of family can be motivating for citizens toassume the essential task of struggling families to care for people and society.