Joy Chia - Opinion: Changing Family Structure

Think about the points raised (sexual regulation function, reproductive function, parental and educational functions, productive functions, economic functions, socialization functions, ascription function and recreational functions) and see if you agree or disagree with what is being said.

The family as a social institution has been undergoing change.

I agree that family structures have been changing, from what is termed 'traditional' to one that's 'modern'.

I do agree that the parental and educational functions of the family has been shifted to certain external agencies (like hospitals, kindergartens etc). Parents are now too busy working and they tend to put their children under the care of such agencies which in most local cases, are comparable to parents taking care of their own kids. This is due to the government's help in ensuring the standards of service given by such agencies.

I also do agree that family recreation is now different from what it used to be. Time spent together for recreation as a family used to involve going for picnics or movies as a family. However, recreation means these days have pulled families apart as they attract the young only. Examples are such as dance halls and night clubs and even gambling centers which may attract the parents.

I also agree that the reproductive function of the family is declining as birthrates over the world, especially in developed countries such as Singapore and other western countries, are declining. This can be further proven by prominent ageing population. And indeed, it is impossible to take away this reproductive function of the family. I believe that it is reproduction that makes a family complete as a family without children cannot be called a family.

However, I do not agree that the productive functions of families have declined. Families ARE still the places of protection for the physically handicapped, mentally retarded, aged, and diseased. It is true that external agencies are helping more than before, however this does not mean families do not play a major role. Families are the basic support for the groups of people mentioned above and they are merely hiring the help of agencies which are specialised and CAN provided the professional help that families are lacking.

Also, I disagree that the economic unit of families are no longer united by shared work. It cannot be said that members now work separately as majority of families are still supported by income generated by one or more members.

Therefore, this article which has been written by a member of the public which may be bias have got points that I disagree with as well as points that I agree with.


ps. I'm so sorry this is one week late!!! :/