The last few decades have been characterized by significant changes that the institution of family and marriage has undergone throughout the world. These changes are easily traced by sociologists based on the dynamics of demographic indicators and using various surveys conducted in different countries.
Instructions
Step 1
In the course of sociological and demographic research, general tendencies characteristic of the developed countries of Europe and the United States are clarified. There is a decrease in the birth rate, an increase in the number of divorces in relation to the number of officially registered marriages, single-parent families are becoming more and more, but there are fewer children in families.
Step 2
There is also such a phenomenon that cannot be quantified, such as a change and erosion of centuries-old behavioral norms in the sphere of marriage and family, as well as ideas about these norms and about the content of the role of each of the spouses in the family. The reason for this was the spread of the values of individualism and the prevalence of a rational approach over what was considered normative. The disintegration of family ties, due to the geographical separation of several still living generations of one family, also had its influence.
Step 3
A common characteristic feature is a large legalization of views, which is expressed in relation to joint decision-making and two-way initiative in terms of sexual relations, an equal distribution of family responsibilities between working spouses.
Step 4
The changes that the institution of the family is undergoing in Russia is greatly influenced by the moral and ethical vacuum that has formed since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Ideas about marriage and family, as well as about norms of marriage and family behavior, are formed under the influence of the media and mass culture, as well as under the influence of the experience and traditions of other families - friends or relatives.
Step 5
In Russia, to a greater extent than in other countries, there is a separation of the concepts of family and parenting. This can be traced to a large number of single-parent families, in the overwhelming majority of which the mother is the only parent. The number of couples who have registered an official marriage, but are not going to have children, is also increasing every year.
Step 6
Recently, however, an increasing role of the institution of marriage has been outlined in Russia. This is partly due to the emerging property relations, partly - a more rational and responsible attitude of young people to the decision to create a family. Therefore, despite all the changes and differences in views, the family still remains a guarantee of social and financial stability and the institution of the family does not lose its significance in Russian society.
