The Dark Side of Family
TITLE
To what extent is there a dark side of the family?
ESSAY
## The Dark Side of the Family: An Examination of Negative Aspects
### Introduction
The family is often portrayed as a safe haven, a place of love, support, and stability. However, there is an emerging body of evidence that suggests a darker side to family life. This essay will explore the extent to which there is a dark side of the family by examining various negative aspects that can be present within familial relationships.
### Arguments For the Dark Side of the Family
#### Rising Divorce Rates
One of the key indicators of the challenges within family life is the rising divorce rates in many modern industrial societies. Divorce can be a traumatic experience for all involved, especially children, leading to emotional distress and upheaval.
#### Reconstituted Families
While reconstituted families, or blended families, are becoming more common, they can pose challenges for both adults and children as new and often complex relationships need to be negotiated.
#### Domestic Abuse/Violence
Feminist research has shed light on the prevalence of domestic abuse and violence within families, with much of it going unnoticed by authorities. This can create a toxic and harmful environment for all family members.
#### Segregated Conjugal Roles
In many families, traditional gender roles persist, leading to inequality and unfair distribution of responsibilities. This can contribute to feelings of resentment and dissatisfaction within the family unit.
#### Conflict and Tension
Family life is not always harmonious, as conflicts and tensions can arise due to various factors. This can lead to stress, emotional strain, and overall unhappiness within the family.
### Arguments Against the Dark Side of the Family
#### Functionalism
From a functionalist perspective, the family plays vital roles in society, such as socialization, nurture, and social control. It is seen as an essential institution that fulfills necessary functions for the well-being of individuals and society.
#### Symmetrical Families
Willmott and Young's concept of symmetrical families suggests that men and women now play more equal and joint roles within the family, leading to greater harmony and cooperation.
#### Family Diversity
The acceptance of various family forms in society means that individuals can choose the type of family that suits them best, promoting freedom and personal fulfillment.
#### Warm Bath Theory
The family is viewed as a place of comfort and support, where the stresses of the outside world can be alleviated through love and care, promoting emotional well-being.
### Conclusion
In conclusion, while the family is often revered as a positive and nurturing environment, it is crucial to acknowledge that there is a dark side to family life as well. Issues such as domestic violence, unequal gender roles, and familial conflicts can contribute to a negative experience for individuals within the family unit. By recognizing and addressing these challenges, efforts can be made to promote healthier and more supportive family relationships.
SUBJECT
SOCIOLOGY
LEVEL
O level and GCSE
NOTES
To what extent is there a dark side of the family?
Possible answers:
Arguments for:
- Rising divorce rates: With divorce rates now so high in many modern industrial societies, there are clear signs that family life is a negative experience for many; this also leads to stressful and emotional times for the children involved in divorce.
- Reconstituted families: These are increasingly common, however, they can be difficult for adults and children to negotiate as blended families create new and often difficult relationships.
- Pivot/sandwich generation: The ageing population has created a generation of women who find themselves trapped in their family duties to their dependent children and elderly relatives, creating a very stressful atmosphere and environment.
- Domestic abuse/violence: Feminist research has highlighted the extent of this within families (e.g. Dobash and Dobash) and how much of it remains invisible to the authorities.
- Child abuse and neglect: There are many documented cases of children being brought up in appalling and exploitative conditions, often leading to families being split through the involvement of the law and/or social services.
- Segregated conjugal roles: In many families, cultures, and societies there is little equality in the family with gender roles and responsibilities being separate and distinct.
- Dual burden/triple shift: Many women have to combine family responsibilities with paid employment and thus family life is far from enjoyable for them.
- Conflict and tension: Leach saw the nuclear family as a source of enormous stress and conflict for its members and indeed all families can be the source of arguments and distress.
- Empty-nest families/empty shell marriage: Research shows that there are many cases of unfulfilling and loveless relationships existing once the children have left home.
- New Right: Some families, e.g. single parent families, are seen to inadequately socialize their children leading to dysfunctional and irresponsible individuals.
- Any other reasonable response.
Arguments against:
- Functionalism: Family life is where family functions are performed (nuclear family); the family is vital, an essential agent e.g. effective socialization, nurture, social control.
- Grandparents: With active aging there are a generation of active grandparents on hand to support and help with family life – financially, advice, childcare.
- Symmetrical families: Willmott and Young – families are now places of equality where men and women play equal, joint roles.
- Family diversity: Many different types of family are now seen as normal and accepted in society; this means that individuals can live in the type of family that they think works best for them.
- Warm bath theory: The family is seen as a place of safety whereby the stresses and strains of the workplace can be ‘mopped up’ through love and care.
- Feminism: Family life has changed enormously for women and they now have more power and status within the unit e.g. decision making, paid employment, family size etc.
- Freedom and choice: Postmodernists believe family life is now characterized by choice and therefore it can be created in a form that best suits individuals e.g. group marriages, contraception, DINK families, househusbands etc.
- Marxism: The family reproduces capitalist values and so maintains the status quo in society.
- Any other reasonable response.