ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with a concept of family structure, especially as it pertains to Arab society. It discusses of theories of family function and a review of the relevant literature on the Arab family and describes a parenting, childrearing and socialization functions of the family. The Arab family is often described as being extended, hierarchical and male dominated. In the Arab family, as a rule, the mother is closer to the children and does not have the same decision-making authority in family matters as does the father. Gender differences in perception of family function and parenting reflect preferential treatment of male children in the Arab family. A report from Yemen described the socialization process of males that promotes gender inequality and male domination. The diagnosis of a chronic illness in the child engenders an emotional reaction that may include guilt and grief over losing normal childhood and imagined futures.
