Patriarchal family… This phrase occurs when studying such sciences as history, sociology, philosophy, social psychology. People constantly have questions about the social and normative aspect of this concept, about its viability in modern conditions.
Based on the term itself, we can say that a patriarchal family is a kind of social cell of society, which, on the one hand, included several generations of relatives, and on the other hand, was under the very strict guardianship of the head of the family (Patter means father in Latin. However, this concept itself, as well as the history of the emergence and development of this type of family, is much more multifaceted. It is far from accidental that interest in it not only does not weaken over time, but, on the contrary, increases.
For a long time it was believed that the patriarchal family is a stage in the development of consanguinity relations that followed matriarchy. However, at presentmore and more researchers are inclined to believe that if there was such a sequence, then far from all peoples. Moreover, some scholars, based on archaeological data, conclude that patriarchy could precede matriarchy, and then change it again. The main postulate on the basis of which such a conclusion is made is the well-proven right of a man to dispose of not only his wife, but also his children.
It is worth taking a closer look at the socio-cultural basis of what we understand by the term "patriarchal family". The characteristic features of this type of marriage include several aspects at once. Firstly, it is the practically unlimited power of the head of this community, whose decisions cannot be questioned by anyone.
Secondly, this is the impressive size of this family. According to various sources, a patriarchal family, especially in the early stages of development, could include up to several hundred people and occupy a very impressive audience. True, at a later time, its number decreased significantly and rarely exceeded 30-40 people.
Third, the patriarchal family is the most important economic unit. After all, everyone understands that people held on to each other primarily in order to cultivate the soil, harvest crops, and keep livestock, which was beyond the power of the nuclear family familiar to us. It was at this level that the division of labor, as well as property and social stratification, first manifested itself.
Finally, fourthly, the patriarchal family -this is the most important means of socialization of its members, inclusion in public life, acquaintance with cultural traditions and customs. For a long period of the history of our civilization, blood relations 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 patriarchy, despite all the influence of modern civilization, are still strong.
