P hilippines, Families in

Abstract

Abstract The Filipino family is considered a highly valuable social institution in the Philippines. In general, Filipino families are bilaterally extended and residentially nuclear. Although Filipinos recognize husbands and fathers to be household heads, the family structure continues to be egalitarian in giving importance to both male and female family members. Like in other cultures in Asia, families in the Philippines uphold the principle of seniority in assigning authority within kinship groups. The kinship system is established through blood ties, marriage, and rituals. Kin groups are maintained primarily for mutual assistance. Moreover, when Filipino families become transnational due to migration and overseas work, they capitalize on computer‐mediated communication to maintain their familial connections across borders. A number of changes are happening among Filipino families including the increased participation of women in the labor force, a decline in family authority in terms of its influence over individual members, and an increasing number of single‐parent families.