3.2.3. Families are Linked to other Social Spheres and Families Change

Often in our everyday life we look at the family as distinct and separate from other spheres such as the economic or political. However, as you will see for yourself the family, the household, its structure and norms are closely linked to the rest of society.

The chunk emphasizes that the family is not an isolated unit; rather, it interacts closely with other social spheres like the economy and politics. This means changes in one area can significantly impact familial structures and norms. For instance, economic shifts can affect how families are formed or function, indicating that societal dynamics are interconnected.

Think of a family living in a community where the economy is thriving. They may feel secure enough to buy a larger home and have more children. Conversely, if the economy struggles, they might delay marriage or the decision to have children, demonstrating how connected family life is to economic conditions.

An interesting example is that of the unintended consequences of the German unification. During the post-unification period in the 1990s Germany witnessed a rapid decline in marriage because the new German state withdrew all the protection and welfare schemes which were provided to the families prior to the unification.

The unification of Germany in the 1990s serves as a case study in how state policies can drastically influence family dynamics. The withdrawal of welfare support led to an increase in economic insecurity, causing couples to postpone or avoid marriage altogether. This shows the direct effect of macro-level policy changes on family-related decisions.

Consider a small business that relies heavily on government grants and support. If those grants are taken away, the business might struggle to stay afloat, just as families may face insecurity and choose not to marry or start families. This reflects a larger principle that economic stability can shape familial choices.

Family and kinship are thus subject to change and transformation due to macro economic processes but the direction of change need not always be similar for all countries and regions. Moreover, change does not mean the complete erosion of previous norms and structure. Change and continuity co-exist.

This part explains that while families evolve due to broader economic influences, this transformation varies around the world. Some regions may adopt new family structures while others retain traditional ones, illustrating that change in family is not uniform. The coexistence of change and continuity means that old traditions can adapt rather than disappear.

Imagine a traditional festival that evolves over time; it may incorporate new elements while retaining its core. Similarly, families might adopt modern practices while keeping some traditional values intact, like having family dinners but also using technology to stay connected.

The belief is that the male child will support the parents in the old age and results in families investing more in a male child. Despite the biological fact that a female baby has better chances of survival than a male baby, the rate of infant mortality among female children is higher in comparison to male children in lower age group in India.

This chunk discusses gender biases that affect family investments and the resulting societal implications. Families may prioritize the upbringing and resources available to male children due to the expectation that they will care for aging parents. However, this belief is contradicted by statistics showing higher infant mortality rates for girls, highlighting a critical social issue regarding gender and survival.

Imagine two children in a family: one boy and one girl. The parents might choose to save more money for the boy's education, believing he will be the future provider. In contrast, they might underinvest in the girl's education due to an enduring belief that she will eventually leave the family. This has real consequences on the girl's future opportunities.

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