ae 2 he
(Course 153)

State, It is the almost universal. institution through which our biological
inheritance is preserved and our social heritage is passed on.

The family, more than eny other Mikerited institution, is feeling the shock of
demands for change brought about by modern conditions. The family should
not be considered as a static institution. As the spirit of youth is chal~
lenzing our institutions, the family cannot and should not be exempt. It

is our duty, however, to explore the actual and pot ential social values of
the family and note whether its evolution is not tending toward more perfect
expression for our constructive and defensive needs.

The monogamic, private family is a priceless inheritance from the past and
it should be preserved. -Its inherited custans and mechanisms are gradually
being modified to suit new social demands, This section of the course will
be concerned with the relationships of the family group,

 

History of the Family

A very brief consideration of the evolution of the family is essential to
an understanding of its hygienic significance.

1. Primitive family. Developed many forms and varied more than
the modern family. Some of the important elemats were:

ae Position of women
b, Sex relations
ce Marriage

2. American family. We are primarily interested in the evolution
of the famly in our own country.

@.». European backgraund

bs Colonial period

e. Frontier famly

d. Present American family.

References: Spencer, Av Ge - The Family and Its Members, Chaps. I
ee Groves, E. R..—- Social Problems of the Family, Chaps. 1; 2, 5, lb.
Rich, M. B. - Family Life To-day, Part I, Chaps, 1-é.

Family Government
The bong and changing government of the family during its evolution has had
a marked influence upon the physical and mental characteristics of the
individual. Inthe earlier forms of the family, either the father or mother
was the absolute master of the fate of the members of the group. In present
day development toward a democratic form, this is being exchanged for group
opinion.

1, Heal th beliefs of the family, sources and validity.
&¢ Health habits of the family.

$, Health regulations of the family.

ae Constructive
b. Defensive