Arguably, revolutions in the world had a lot of impact in institutions, as well as various sectors of human life, namely, sociological, economic, political and psychological. Family as an institution was not an exceptional. Revolutions affected families in various ways, which up to date its consequences are still felt in society. Many families were divided by the revolution, leading to various historical significance, in which most occurrence and current problems can be attached to.
Historically, there is a strong reason to believe that families in the pre-revolution age were very primitive and suffered less frustrations and stress. They were significantly characterized by satisfaction and unity (Smelser, 2006). During revolutions and after revolutions families divided leading to psychological and social problems which were inevitable. The division in one way or another is associated with family problems that exist in families today.
During revolution families divided to in search of employment. In fact, children and women were subjected to hard work and lower pay. In the early times of revolutions, families worked together but after revolution, families divided and worked independently. In some occasions, men could leave their family to go to war and adventure. This changed the family setup and socialization strategy (Norton, 1980).
Undoubtedly, revolution impacted families in various ways. One obvious impact of division within the family is the position of power, as well as influence. Family members ended up in different fronts of conflict. This sort of division took place as early as 1775, for example the division between Benjamin Franklin and his son. Franklin son ruled in a different front and proved successful, but his fame declined due to critics and controversies between mother country and the colony. The division over the revolution began leadership problem, where members of the family could compete for political power and status in the region (Taylor, 2005).
During revolutions slaves families were undecided on what ideologies and issues to support. In fact, the blacks were forced to go to war to replace the sons British. The historical significance of the division over revolution led is still felt today among the black Americans (Norton, 1980). Families in support of revolutions interacted and socialized, leading to variation in society, intermarriage, as well as diversity in support of political leaders within the family. In the past, individuals were forced to make decisions, but currently individuals are free to make their decisions.
In the 21st century, families and society are in continues conflict when it comes to decision making, socially, economically, or politically. Families division over revolution led to a historical independent perspective, which led to child and woman labor. Certainly, child labor in most of the countries is illegal, but it takes place. The problem of child labor has its genesis from revolutions and family division (Smelser, 2006).
The feminist’s liberalization began due to oppression in which women faced during revolutions. Family divisions over revolution led to marginalization of women in decision making and leadership in nations. Women either followed men to war, or stayed at home to do all house chores, instead of being involved in making rational decisions. The problem has recurred in various ways in society today (Taylor, 2005). Men still have the mentality that women, are the weaker sex, whose work is to serve men. However, the divisions over revolution gave women a chance to practice independence. Conclusively, it is significant that the division of families over revolution has relationship with current events occurring in the world, which affect families, as well as other social institution.
Reference
Norton, M. (1980). Liberty Daughters. Boston: Scott Foresman & Co.
Smelser, N. (2006). Social Change in the Industrial Revolution. New York: Springer.
Taylor, M. (2005). The Divided Family in Civil War America. London: Wiley.
