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The family structure and system is considered very sacred and important in our culture and society. Although it is seems to be decreasing due to the environmental effects, experts are trying their best to ensure that immediate steps be taken that will ensure that the family system and bond remains strong and valuable.
A major influence on the family is of the environment. It plays an important role in the molding of the family structure. It has many positive as well as negative effects on the family. However the negative effects of environment and society are only effective of the family is dysfunctional. The more the family is dysfunctional, the higher the negative effects of the environment. There are also steps that families can take to limit and eliminate the negative effects of environment but most times they are not effective enough.
Our values, behaviors and customs are all dependant on our environment . This is why each family system is unique and different. Each family interprets the environment differently and thus has a different effect. Also families live under the influence of different environments. But what do we exactly mean by environment? By environment we mean society and all its factors. A club or bar opening in your neighborhood can affect your family; building of a park in your area can have an effect on your family. Even the types of shops opened in your area have a direct influence on the way your family is brought up.
Research also shows that children tend to follow and copy the settings in their environment. For example, if a parental figure in the household smokes openly, then the child is bound to try it out in his life sometime. If the child sees that the father treats his mother well and helps her around, then a male child will have the same attitude with his future wife.
It has been seen that if there are more parks and recreational centers in the neighborhood, then more people will be attracted towards it. Families will plan more outdoor picnics and interact with more people. This instills a neighborly and friendly attitude in children and helps them become social and independent . If the children see a lot of bars and clubs in their environment, then they will fell that this is normal and will adapt to it very easily. This is why giving your family the best environment is essential. When people go searching for a home or apartment, a very important factor is the type of neighborhood and people in it. This is because they know that these people will have an influence on their family’s functionality. These are the people their children will grow up with.
Other than these external environments, there are internal environments that also have a huge influence on the family structure. Technology is probably the biggest environmental influence of this century. Then the way our social values and attributes are changing is a big concern for our current family system. In some states, the issue of same sex marriages has been legalized. This will make a huge change to our ‘environment.’ It will totally require changing the way we think of a man, a woman, a marriage and its bond.
More external environmental effects include the political situation in a country. In most third world countries, there is a dangerous political situation and the streets of those countries are not safe. This instills a confused and cautious behavior into its inhabitants. They are most times reluctant to travel alone or let their children get out of sight.
It has also been observed that our current economic and social system is taking a toll on the family system. In the 21st century, all members of the families are required to work in order to support themselves. This leaves very little time for the family to gather together and have a conversation or meal together. Initially this ‘gathering together’ might seem unimportant, but in the long run, it is very important for families to bond. There should be at least one meal a day in which the whole family is present together to discuss the day’s activities. Even though the environmental setup is making it hard for families to follow this tradition, still all members should try their best to follow it.
The effects of environment on families can be seen to have a major effect. According to the development changes in our environment, we can safely say that the traditional family system will be completely transformed in the next 20 years. But similar to all the other social changes, this transition of the family structure will not be easy and will take time to adjust. The families of the future will need to put ion greater collaborative effort in order to succeed and function properly. (756 Words)
References
Cherlin, A. J. (2004). The Deinstitutionalization of American Marriage. Journal of Marriage and Family , 66, 848-861.
Garbarino, J. Children and Families in the Social Environment. Transaction Publishers.
Kim, Y.-K. (25 March,2009). Handbook of Behavior Genetics. Springer.
