The Role of Social Agents in Raising Children in Dysfunctional Families

Abstract

This study explores the significant role of social agents in raising children within dysfunctional family environments, highlighting how social support networks and targeted interventions contribute to fostering resilience and promoting positive developmental outcomes. Through a review of key literature, the study emphasizes that children in adverse familial contexts face heightened risks for emotional and psychological challenges, often exacerbated by factors like marital conflict, academic failure, and socioeconomic disadvantage. Social agents—ranging from family support services to community networks—can play a protective role by enhancing parenting skills, promoting healthier parent-child interactions, and providing instrumental and emotional support. The review reveals that interventions focusing on academic resilience, mental health, and relational skills are essential for children’s well-being. The findings also underscore the need for further research to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of these interventions and the dynamics of social capital in bolstering child welfare. This synthesis contributes to a deeper understanding of how formal and informal support systems serve as buffers against the adverse effects of dysfunctional family dynamics and offers insight into developing effective support frameworks for at-risk children.