Quality of Family Relationships: The Contributions of Family Structures and Gender – Role Orientations

Abstract

Since the whole human population are products of the family, it may be deduced that a substantial proportion of the social-vices besieging the modern world emanate from maladaptive socialization process of the family domain. To achieve a capable and positive functioning socialization process, harmonious and healthy relationships must be ensured among and between each member of the family. Taking into consideration the overarching positive influence of valuable family relationship on healthy family lives, it is highly essential to investigate the predicting factors of good family relationships. Accordingly, this study tested whether family structures and gender role orientations would predict quality of family relationships. Ninety-eight participants who were selected using cluster sampling method from Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria, completed self-report instruments comprising of Index of Family Relations (IFR), Bem Sex-Role Inventory (BSRI) and the Personal Data Sheet (PDS). Hypotheses were tested using one-way ANOVA and multiple regressions. Findings suggest that participants from traditional marriage families reported better family relationships than those from single-parent, divorced and court/legal marriage families. Additionally, the expression of feminine traits by family members (regardless of sex) seems to account for a well knitted family relationship than the expression of the nearly feminine trait, androgynous trait and nearly masculine trait. Results were discussed in line with previous literature and it was recommended that traditional/customary marriage should not be jettisoned in the process of family formation but should be done in conjunction with court/legal marriage. Similarly, the expression of feminine traits by each family member regardless of their sex should be encouraged to forestall family conflicts and ensure good family relations.