Introduction The term family has been applied differently by various scholars and people. Mostly, it has been used to connote social institutions, such as schools and organizations, or a community. Therefore, its definition depends on the context where it is used. This paper focuses on discussing the concept of family in relation to the social functions it plays. In addition, it discusses whether it is a right or it is typified by various responsibilities. Definition of the term family A family can be defined as a group of people who are related by blood, marriage, or adoption (Archard 134). It results from marriage, which is defined as the union between a man and a woman. Basically, it is made up of father, mother, and children. Other members could include grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and nieces (Archard 135). As a basic element in bringing up children, anthropologists have categorized family organization into three. According to Archard (136), matrifocal, which is composed of the mother and her siblings, is the first category. The second category is the nuclear family, which consists of mother, father, and children. The last category is the extended family. This comprises of the nuclear family, grandparents, nieces, nephews, uncles, and aunts. In socialization context, it is the basic social unit, and the term has been applied metaphorically to develop inclusive entities, such as societies and humanism (Archard 137). Illustrations and argument about the topic It is critical to note that a family could be headed by the opposite sex, or same sex (Bott and Spillius 78). In addition, the head of the family should be authoritative and a decision-maker with regard to the running of family matters. Many scholars have discussed family as both a social and a political institution (Bott and Spillius 79). Furthermore, liberals, such as Archard (139), argue that the family is characterized by the roles and responsibilities that are evident in family privacy and the protection of intimacy. Archard (140) concludes that parents have duties of providing their children adequate life chances. The justification of a family is not by entitlement, but by the interests of family members and society’s expectations in which they coexist and become its productive members (Archard 141). Arguably, both the parents and children are expected to play certain roles in the community. Children are obliged to respect their parents and other members of the society, while parents are required to take part in various activities in the community (Brecher158). In relation to the running of the family, each member has a role to play. For example, the children should obey their parents, while parents should discipline and provide for them. Nonetheless, a family could be viewed as a right. The fact that International law provides for the right to marry and have a family makes it is a right. Every adult has the right to found a family (Strong and Cohen 102). However, Brecher (159) has rejected that adults are entitled to right to a family. In contrast to the right, the researcher says that parents have obligations, but not rights (Brecher 160). It would be important to support Brecher and indicate that parents are obliged to be