Roles are changing, the nature of care is changing, and the stress related to juggling the balance is increasing (Edgar, 1997, p. 149)
A number of statistics also help to outline the nature of the family structure in a developed economy like Australia. In terms of workforce participation, the figures are as follows: "….86% for fathers and 56% for mothers in two-parent families, and 65% for male and 43% for female sole parents"(Edgar, 1997, p.151). This is also indicative of a shift in the role of the female as solely a homemaker. "In 1993, 53% of couples with dependent children were both employed & #8230;" (Edgar, 1997, p. 151). Therefore, there are still imbalances and disparities in terms of the family structure and this is a challenge that the family as a continuing societal institution has to face.
3. Swaziland
Swaziland has a somewhat different historical and political profile compared to Australia and therefore a different family structure -- which in turn impacts on the challenges facing the family in that country. Swaziland or more correctly the Kingdom of Swaziland, also known as Ngwane, is a small and relatively impoverished country that is surrounded by South Africa and Mozambique. It is linked to the South African society both economically and historically -- particularly with regard to struggle against the apartheid regime and white rule that dominated that country until fairly recently. This era also influenced family life as a result of the exploitation of the indigenous population and the migration of men away from their families to work in the South African mines; which had a severe impact on family life in many areas of the region.
In economic terms the country is largely dependent on agriculture and subsistence farming but in the last decade there have been rapid improvements in the country and a general upliftment of the region. It is therefore a developing country that is in transition and which is rapidly becoming a part of the international community through globalization ( U.S. Department of State Background Note: Swaziland).
The family in this country is typically traditional and extended. There is a tradition of sharing and interaction among all members of the large families. As is the case in most traditional family structures there is a rigid hierarchy with the father as the head of house who wields all the authority. There is also a sharp distinction between male and female roles and duties within the family structure. The elderly are also treated with respect and reverence and are seen as reservoirs of knowledge and wisdom (Family Life).
In many ways this traditional family structure is very different to the more loosely structured and ambiguous structure found in the family in developed counties like Australia. However, in terms of the modern era the Swazi family faces many difficulties and challenges. One of the most profound of these is sexual inequality within the family structure. As discussed above, Australia is grappling with the challenges of increasing female involvement and advancement in the home, work and market place. On the other hand, while globalization and communications technologies and competition are forcing all countries into the international arena, the typical Swazi family is still embedded in older gender roles and norms. This also refers to class and social stratifications, where the female is seen as a second-class citizen and where the society is stratified along lines of strict gender roles.
One of the greatest challenges to Swazi society is therefore the issue of gender rights within the family. This is also exacerbated and compounded by very serious health issues that also relate to the family in this country. This refers particularly to the HIV / AIDS crisis in that country. Swaziland has the world's highest adult HIV prevalence rate of 26.1% (History of AIDS in Swaziland). As will be discussed this has far-reaching implications for the family.
From a legal perspective, the Constitution of Swaziland ( 2006) grants the same legal rights to men and women. However, in reality,
Swazi tradition continues to limit women to inferior roles. Legislation in Swaziland is based on a dual system of traditional and civil law. Several discriminatory laws are still in force, having not yet been aligned with the anti-discrimination measures in the Constitution (Gender equality and social institutions in Swaziland).
This situation could be seen as a prime example of the essential challenge that faces the family structure in Swaziland, as well as in many other developing countries. In other words, there is a tension and a sense of discontinuity between the traditional cultural views of the family and the new democratic ideals of family roles that have been introduced through colonization and the spread of globalization. In brief globalization is a way of describing the "…the spread and connectedness of production, communication and technologies across the world. That spread...
D., pg. 67). Thus, the definition of the British family is almost wholly contained within a woman's decision. Women who have children and enter the workforce create new trends in British family life, such as the fact that children are cared for primarily by professionals working in the home, at nursery schools, or grandparents (Kathleen, n.d., "Family Life," 2009). The redefining of family relationships to give equality to both the
At the same time, the Japanese parent will likely encourage the child's freedom, especially in the early stages of life, while the American parent will tend to correct from early stages of development any misbehavior or errors. With the relationship mother-child, the Japanese mother will tend to emphasize less the development of the communication side for the child and will prefer a more symbiotic relationship (Ibid. page 71). 4. A family
Ethnic Families I interviewed the mother of an Asian-American family, 42 years old, native-born to Asian immigrant parents, married to an American man, with two small children. She had some definite ideas about family roles and customs, mostly stemming from her parents and their very traditional roles, and how she differed from them. She grew up as an "American," and did not understand why her mother insisted on carrying on traditions
Health care concerns related to global climate change Increased exposure to vectors that transmit Zika, West Nile virus, or malaria Scientific research has proven that climate change affects the health of mankind. The impact on health varies in line with the immunity of the humans in question and the local environmental conditions (Paz, 2015). One significant effect of climate change is the spread of vector-borne diseases such as West Nile virus (WNV),
Families, Delinquency & Crime The fundamental changes occurring to families in the 21st century can be classified into two different categories, depending on the internal or the external perspective that is used in the analysis. The external perspective proposes an analysis of the sociodemographic changes that have occurred to families under the impact of the external factors of the 21st century. The sociodemographic changes are characterized both by the numbers, by
Global Leadership Find a video clip of a global leader exhibiting a specific competency, then define and expand on the competency and explain how you see it displayed. Competent Leader - Steve Jobs: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAdih-bnjBQ This video clip focuses on the illustration of inspiration as a form of leadership competency in relation to global business leadership. It is ideal to note that Steve Jobs' valuable leadership traits base the video clip on an interview.
Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.
Get Started Now