Abstract
We observe very deep changes involving the family. People live in different kinds of partnerships, not only in traditional marriages. They decide to have fewer children or even not have them at all. So is the family still beneficial in post-modern society? This article discusses the contemporary determinant conditions regarding the decision to start a family. The majority of them are connected with the labour market and social processes like inividualisation, changing social ties, and decaying of cultural universe. The post-modern society does not encourage people to start families. However, people still decide to have children and to form stable partnerships. This is because having offspring and a partner will give them something of the highest importance that is invaluable in post-modern society – emotional ties and emotional fulfilment.
Highlights
The family is present in all cultures and societies that we know
Because of the role it plays in the reproduction and existence of social life, it is metaphorically called the original cell of social life
“The restructuring of companies and organisations, induced by information technology and stimulated by global competition, leads to a deep transformation of work: individualisation of work in the work process” (Castells, 2013, p. 283). This transformation is noted for the lack of a specific framework setting the working time: employees are task-oriented but when a task is done, their employment contract does not have to be extended; some tasks are performed outside the company; employers depart from traditional model based on a social contract between an employer and an employee with mutual obligations; employees are no longer attached to their companies, they are unable to predict their careers. This leads to the formation of what is known as flexible labour market (Castells, 2013)
Summary
The family is present in all cultures and societies that we know. Because of the role it plays in the reproduction and existence of social life, it is metaphorically called the original cell of social life. The family is extremely important for the society and for individuals. Life comes down to coordinated actions of its participants that make up everyday practices. It is based on a personal bond that links family members into a complex system of mutual obligations and dependencies. It is this bond that makes a family a major source of help and support and a community that gives its members a sense of belonging, material security, protection and proper order of life. It is hard to overestimate the benefits of living a family, both for the whole society and individuals. Does it change them to such an extent that investment in a family is no longer beneficial?
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