The Development of Families
The Development of FamiliesHHS4U/C Unit 4Remember this?? ...
Remember this?? Why is it hard to define families?What
definitions of family did we discuss?What were the differences?The
Vanier Institute definition:Any combination of two or more persons
who are bound together over time by ties of mutual consent, birth
and/or adoption or placement and who, together, assume
responsibilities for variant combinations of some of the
following:Physical maintenance and care of group membersAddition of
new members through procreation or adoptionSocialization of
childrenSocial control of membersProduction, consumption,
distribution of goods and servicesAffective nurturance love
The Statistics Canada definition:The census family refers to a
husband and a wife (with or without children who have never married
regardless of age), couples living together (with or without
children who have never married, from one or both partners) or a
lone parent (with one or more children who have never married
regardless of age) living in the same dwelling
The United Nations definition:the family is referred to as the
basic unit of society; it is appreciated for the important
socio-economic functions it performs. In spite of the many changes
in society that have altered its role and functions, it continues
to provide the natural framework for the emotional, financial and
material support essential for the growth and development of its
members, particularly infants and children, for the care of other
dependents including the elderly, disabled, and infirm. The family
remains a vital means of preserving and transmitting cultural
values. In the broader sense, it can, and often does, educate,
train, motivate and support its individual members, thereby
investing in their future growth and acting as a vital resource for
development
Families as Agents of SocializationIn the pastThe goal was to
pass on the family name and traditionsAlso, families were needed
for labour
NowThe goal is to raise happy, well-adjusted childrenChildren
are no longer valued economically but for their emotional
fulfillmentFamilies of the PastAs a group, select one
family:Aboriginal (pgs 266-268)European (pgs 268-269)European
continued (pgs 270-271)European continued (pgs 272-273)Chinese (pgs
273-274)Toda (pgs 274-275)
Summarize the trends into 5 points to share with the class
Families of the PresentCouples in the 21st century who are
considering having children have many more choices and face more
complex issues than families of the pastThe institution of marriage
has changedSocial norms in regard to sex roles, conception, and the
equality of women contribute to the decline in fertility
ratesCouples can choose when to have children, how many to have,
and when theyd like to stop permanently due to advances in
contraception Families of the PresentChildbearing is delayed due to
education and career goals of womenThe average age of mothers at
the birth of their first child in 2010 was 29.6 years51% of all
mothers who gave birth in 2010 were 30 or older
Source: Statistics CanadaFamilies of the PresentWomen continue
to work after marriage and childbirthIn 2008, 64% of husband-wife
families were dual-income earners (up from 47% in 1976)
Advances in reproductive technology now allows couples who are
infertile to have childrenArtifical insemination, in vitro
fertilization, etc.
Families of the PresentBabies are healthier due to increased
knowledge of prenatal careNutrition during pregnancy, dangers of
smoking and drinking, etc.Genetic testing enables couples to
determine the risk of inherited problems and to choose whether to
terminate an unhealthy pregnancyThe infant mortality rate has
declined steadily over the past centuryFamilies of the PresentThere
is a lack of support for parentsFamilies struggle to balance
careers and childrenWorkplaces are often inflexible and have
inadequate child-care programsTheoretical Perspectives Describe the
development of family and parent-child relationships from the
viewpoint of the different theoretical perspectivesFor example
Theoretical PerspectivesSocial Exchange theoryCouples look to
receive something back from their children (a benefit) in exchange
for their time, energy, and money they put into raising them
(costs)These benefits include emotional fulfillment and love
Systems TheoryThe work pattern of women influences all members
of the family (scheduling, homework completion, activities, meal
preparation, shopping, etc.)The Decision to have ChildrenWhat
factors influence decisions about having children?Fertility and/or
access to reproductive technologyAccess to birth controlReligious
or cultural beliefs (i.e. abortion)Stability of the intimate
relationshipAge and healthFinancial statusEducational, career, and
personal goalsInfluence of friends/familyLegislation to Support
FamiliesParental and maternity leavePregnancy leave 17 weeks
unpaidParental leave 35 to 37 weeks unpaidCan apply for EI benefits
(pay from the government while you are off; sometimes topped up by
employer)Protection against discrimination because of
pregnancyContinue to pay into and earn benefits while offMaintain
the same seniority and salary as when they leftIn most cases, the
job they leave is to be available when they come backCannot be
penalized in away way for taking parental leaveThe right to
breastfeed in publicCharter of Rights and Freedoms
Adoption rights for same-sex couplesSince 1999 same-sex couples
have had the same rights to adopt as heterosexual couples In 2011,
9% of couples with children were same-sexMore female-female couples
adopt than male-male
Legislation to Support FamiliesSame-Sex Families Raising
Children
20Subsidized child careThe government helps eligible families
pay for day care or before/after-school programs for children under
12Depends on family income
Legislation to Support FamiliesChallenges Faced by
FamiliesFamily conflictChildren or family members with special
needsChild abuse and neglectDiscipline vs. PunishmentElder abuse
and neglectSpousal abuseTeen pregnancyChildlessnessBy choice,
infertility, or death DivorceImmigration
