"10" Family and Society

 This week we talked about different types of families and families in society. What I'm going to talk about today may not be completely consistent with this week's lesson, but I want to talk about the concept of family that I've been through and heard about as I grew up. 

The concept of family has undergone significant changes in recent years. Traditionally, the family was seen as a unit consisting of a married couple and their children. However, with changing times, the definition of family has expanded to include single-parent families, blended families, same-sex families, and more. Today, families are much more diverse and complex, and they play a vital role in the fabric of society. Moreover, work has become an essential part of modern family life, with both parents often working outside the home. 

As mentioned earlier, the traditional nuclear family consisting of a married couple and their children is no longer the only type of family. Today, there are many variations of family structures, and each has its unique dynamics and challenges. For instance, single-parent families are becoming more prevalent, with one parent raising children alone. These families face unique challenges, such as managing work and raising children simultaneously. Additionally, same-sex couples are now recognized as a family unit, and adoption and surrogacy have made it possible for them to have children. This has led to more diverse and inclusive families in society.

Work has become an integral part of modern family life. Since both parents often work outside the home, families have to strike a balance between work and family responsibilities. Traditionally, there has been a perception that women should raise their children and manage their families, and men should provide financial stability to their families by working outside. Since this perception has improved a lot in the present society, many couples think that both parents share the same responsibility and that a more equitable distribution of labor should be made within the family. I don't know in detail what the culture was like here because I didn't grow up in the United States, but I want to say that the old way that people thought was extreme until just a few years ago and some couples still have that idea. In Asian culture, there was a culture in which men were prioritized and women were considered later. There was pressure from parents to give birth to a son even when women healed their children, and there were women who were not properly treated as people in the house when they could not give birth to a son. In addition, when handing over his property, he had a rule that he should not unconditionally hand over his property to his son or his son should not enter the kitchen.

In addition, preferential treatment for men was severe in society, and there was a widespread social atmosphere in which men were selected as a priority during interviews or women's abilities were not recognized. In addition, if a woman had a child after marriage, she could not even have an interview because she could not concentrate on her work. These are the ways that seem to have happened a long time ago, but this is a thing I saw as grow up. Currently, these problems have improved a lot, but someone still lives with this perception.

Society plays a vital role in supporting families. Governments have a responsibility to create policies that support families and promote their well-being. This includes policies that provide financial support for families, such as child tax credits and subsidies for childcare. Additionally, policies that support work-life balance, such as flexible work arrangements and parental leave, can help families manage their responsibilities more effectively. Moreover, society should also promote a culture that values and supports families. This includes recognizing the importance of the family unit and providing resources and support for families in need. 

Managing work and family responsibilities can be challenging. One of the main challenges is finding a work-life balance. With the demands of work and family, it can be difficult to find time for both. This can lead to stress and burnout, affecting both work and family life. We are all stressed at home and at work, but we can relieve that stress a little bit by looking for more time for our family and caring for each other at home. By talking, sharing, and growing together, family members can become more mature and happy.