Basic Concepts of Families

Question 1

What is the definition of a modern family unit?

Answer 1

‘Two or more people residing in the same dwelling, having shared goals and values, and long-term commitments to one another.’

Question 2

What constitutes a family?

Answer 2

A family has tradtionally been seen to consist of a father, mother and children. However, in this modern society, family units are taking different forms. It depends largely on the family structure.

Question 3

Identify one of the families in the case scenario.

Answer 3

• Nuclear family
• Couple without children
• Couple with adopted child / children
• Extended / Multi-generational family
• Single parent family
• Reconstituted / blended family
• Elderly Couple with Empty Nest Syndrome

Question 4

Describe the family system according to the Family System View.

Answer 4

According to the family system view, a family functions as a unit by definition.

Each member plays a critical or specific role in the system and having reciprocal influence on one another.

Family members are interdependent, and their interactons and relationships are reciprocal, patterned, repetitive and often complex.

It is impossible for one member of the system to change without causing any change to the family system.

To address these problems,the family must be willing to look at what all members of the system have to do together to improve relations and alter their dysfunctional system.

Question 5

Describe 2 roles of families in society.

Answer 5

The family caters to the sexual needs of its adult members and limits sexual access of other members of the society, thereby maintaining stability in the society.

The family provides the society with new generations of people through biological reproduction, without which the society cannot continue.

Question 6

Identify 3 emerging trends in family structure in Singapore.

Answer 6

• More ‘empty nest syndrome’
• More ‘sandwich’ generation
• More reconstituted families

Question 7

Describe a challenge faced by each emerging trends.

Answer 7

• More ‘empty nest syndrome’
  Middle aged parents lose a sense of meaning to their lives and go into depression.
• More ‘sandwich’ generation
  This generation struggles financially and mentally to provide for both elderly parents and their own children.
• More reconstituted families
  Children struggle with sibling rivalry and identity confusion when their divorced parents manage them differently.