FAMILY AND MARRIAGE IN TRANSITION:Family is losing functions

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Introduction to Sociology SOC101

Lesson 29

FAMILY AND MARRIAGE IN TRANSITION

There is a great diversity in the family and marriage arrangements. The globalization of societies, and with

the emerging chances in Pakistani society one could expect further variations in this institution. Pakistani

society is certainly experiencing the changing trend toward industrial-urban way of life. Every third person

in Pakistan is presently living in a locality, which has been declared as urban; thereby these urbanites are

likely to experience diversities around. A variety of social and economic forces become instrumental in the

erosion of traditional family and marriage values. We are trying to hold on to the sacred values of this

institution, though we cannot ignore the secular inroads that are already taking place. Are these positive

developments or are these threatening? Nevertheless, the dramatic changes in the social norms and values

have transformed the family life. Though we do not have empirical evidence to support the observed

changes yet it may be worth mentioning and it might generate curiosity for future research. Therefore, let us

look at some of he changes that are being experienced by the family and marriage nationally and

internationally.

Family is losing functions. Except for procreation of children, for all other functions it

appears that other institutions are taken over the traditional functions of the family. In the

developed countries families have accepted such a take-over whereas in Pakistan such a change

is fast coming. For example educational institutions and mass media of communication are

becoming powerful agents of socialization of children. Health care, matrimonial arrangements,

maternal services, and many other family responsibilities are being taken over by professionals.

We are heading towards a situation where right from the birth till our burial the whole of our

life is likely to be handled by the professional functionaries.

Families are exerting less influence over the lives of their members. Modern society is an

"other directed" society where the behavior of a person is much influenced by the peer group

(contemporaries) who is found outside of the family. Of course the families try to have a

control on the kinds of friends their children are likely to have but the variety of peers the

children come across while out in school may be beyond the limits of families. Nevertheless,

these very peer groups might become strengths for the socialization of children. Such a

situation might be well experienced by the families where both the parents are working. Even

these parents are likely to pick up many of their styles of life from outside.

Shift toward nuclear/conjugal families. As an outcome of empirical regularity, there is a

postulated universality of nuclear family. As the traditional family systems break down, though

with different speed, in industrial society hiring is on the basis of competency; efficiency is

measured by individual performance; job market requires mobility; none of these requirements

need strong kinship network. Industrializing societies create their other formal agencies to

replace help from kinship networks. Individuals have independent careers, and "go their own

way" ignoring extended kinship ties. Even in stress nuclear family appears to be quite

responsive to provide emotional support.

Kin networking fading and being replaced by friends networking. People either depend

on their own self or on their social capital of friends.

Declining size of families. With the societies moving towards modernization, there is a

decline in the fertility of women. In Pakistan from 6.3 children per woman in the 1970 we have

come down to around 4 children per woman in 2004. Some of the reasons could be: the rise in

age at first marriage; decline in infant mortality (140/1000 live births in 1970 to around

85/1000 in 2004); increasing number of women especially older women not desiring to get

pregnant and younger wanting to space births; decline in desired family size; use of

contraceptives. All these reasons may have strong link with the education of families.

The rise of symmetrical families. There is an increase in dual earner families. One could find

a trend in the families where both husband and wife are working and sharing the household

work. Or if the wife is busy in the second shift at home, the husband might also be having a

second job.

Patriarchy on the decline. As the proportion of dual earners marriages continues to increase,

women's financial dependence on their husbands declines, leading to a decline in patriarchy. In

Introduction to Sociology SOC101

the changing scenario instead of centralized decision making, families are moving towards

shared decision making. Hence patriarchy gives way to egalitarianism.

Arranged marriages are being replaced by `marriages of inclination'. Traditionally

marriages of children were arranged by their parents, but now youngsters are trying to exert

their personal choices in their matrimony.

In the Western societies alternative marriage arrangements are on the increase. For

example common law marriages (a marriage without marriage license) are on the increase.

10.

Women empowerment. There is a changing status of women due to increase in literacy and

in the levels of literacy, financial independence, and in their decision making power.

11.

Divorce rates have been increasing. There could be many reasons like:

· Individualism on the increase. People are looking for personal happiness.

· Romantic love often subsides. Marriages of inclination are relatively more vulnerable to

conflict and divorce.

· Women now are less dependent on men.

· Many of today's marriages are stressful. Since both husband and wife are working, their

jobs consume most of their time and energy, then, if they have to raise the children, there

is not enough time and energy left for each other.

· Presently divorce is becoming more socially accepted. It is no more considered a stigma.

· From legal stand point, divorce is becoming easier to obtain. Couple may not have to

resort to mud throwing on each other, so the couple decides and the court allows.

12.

Lone old parent families on the increase. The institution of family as the shelter for the

aged is gradually eroding. As the children grow up they, in search of their livelihood, head for

new destinations leaving their senior citizens in the empty nest. Here one could find a big gap

between the real and ideal value about caring the old people. Even the alternatives like the

community support, nursing homes have not emerged. The plight of single women, widows,

and the sick persons is high. We have added years to life but not life to added years.

13.

Awareness of family violence has increased. May be in the changing situation family

violence has also increased.

14.

The number of elderly marriages and remarriages is increasing. The people deciding to

get married in their old age don't feel shy anymore. Rather than leading a lonely life in case of

their being divorced or widowed, the elderly decide to get married. Since divorce does not

appear to be a stigma, therefore, divorcees don't feel hesitant to remarry.

15.

Monogamy presumably becoming universal. There might be an increase in remarriages

but the individuals are restricting themselves to one union at a time. So people marry, divorce,

and remarry, but at time a person is married to only one partner, which may be called as serial

monogamy.

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