Patriarchal family - it is reliability, stability, preservation of traditions

Patriarchal family ... This phrase is encountered in the study of such sciences as history, sociology, philosophy, social psychology. People constantly have questions about the social and normative aspect of this concept, its viability in modern conditions.

If we start from the very term, we can say that the patriarchal family is a kind of social unit of society that, on the one hand, included several generations of relatives, and on the other hand it was under the very strict guardianship of the head of the family (patter in Latin - father). However, this concept itself, as well as the history of the emergence and development of this type of family is much more diverse. It is not by chance that interest in it over time not only does not weaken, but, on the contrary, intensifies.

For a long time it was believed that the patriarchal family is a stage in the development of kinship relations, which followed matriarchy. However, at present, more and more researchers are inclined to believe that if there was such a sequence, then not all peoples. Moreover, some scientists on the basis of archaeological data conclude that the patriarchate could precede matriarchy, and then again to replace it. The main postulate on the basis of which such a conclusion is drawn is the man's fully proved right to dispose not only of his wife, but also of children.

It is worthwhile to look more attentively to the socio-cultural basis of what we mean by the term "patriarchal family". Characteristic features of this type of marriage include several aspects at once. First, it is almost unlimited power of the head of this community, whose decisions can not be questioned by anyone.

Secondly, this is the impressive size of this family. According to various sources, the patriarchal family, especially in the early stages of development, could include up to several hundred people and occupy a very impressive audience. However, at a later time, its numbers decreased significantly and rarely exceeded 30-40 people.

Thirdly, the patriarchal family is the most important economic unit. After all, it is clear to everyone that people held on to each other first of all in order to cultivate the soil, to harvest, to keep cattle, which the nuclear family was not familiar with. It was at this level that the division of labor was first manifested, as well as property and social stratification.

Finally, fourthly, the patriarchal family is the most important means of socialization of its members, inclusion in public life, acquaintance with cultural traditions and customs. Blood ties during the long period of the history of our civilization played a dominant role, so the life of each individual person was largely built on the dominant family principles.

A vivid example of a patriarchal family can be found on the territory of our country today. We are talking about the peoples of the Far North, where the traditions of the patriarchate, despite all the influence of modern civilization, are still strong.