Problem
Decline of the extended family
Experimental visualization of narrower problems
Other Names:
Fragmented patterns of extended family relationshipsDemise of three-generation family structure
Breakdown in kinship structures
Obstacles to extended families
Nature:
The family unit at one time cared for both the larger society and for its members. Children, elders, and incapacitated members were the responsibility of the extended family. The nuclear family and single parent families, while perhaps economically viable, are not capable of caring for the larger needs of the larger family. Incidence:
The splitting up of the nuclear family between husband/wife, parents/children, sons/daughters is a critical factor in the breakdown of the extended family where grandparents, grandchildren, in-laws, uncles, aunts, cousins and others are in close relationship. A secondary cause is mobility, which uproots part of the extended family and takes it to a totally different region or even country. Other obstacles to extended families include the belief that the state can and should take care of senior citizens, the belief in having fewer or no children, and the erosion of community life. Broader Problems:
DeclineFamily breakdownUnstable family lifeSocially ineffective family unitsVulnerability of marriage as an institutionWeakening of family ties Narrower Problems:
Weakening of family tiesUnfulfilled grandparentsFamily crediting obligationsIncreased family fragmentationSimplistic concept of familiesUnshared family responsibilities Aggravates:
Disparagement of youthGeneration communication gapMental disorders of the agedSocial isolation of the elderlyInadequate housing for the agedSocial disaffection of the youngInefficient support for widowersInefficient support for widowersIrresponsibility towards future generationsIrresponsibility towards future generationsLimited social guidance from older generations Reduces:
Dependence within extended families Reduced By:
Decline in government social expenditureStrategies:
Promoting kinship circlesLimiting extended familiesMonitoring decline of the extended familyBreaking down the family Subject(s):
Society → Family??Social Activity → Friendship??
Societal Problems → Failure??
Design → Patterns??
Problem Type:
F: Fuzzy exceptional problems Date of last update
15.10.2020 – 18:25 CEST