Relationships in families and households

The Family: Internal Relationships

Family structures shape the nature of relationships between family members. For instance, a nuclear family often features strong bonds between parents and children.
The emotional division of labour, which stresses the balance of emotional tasks and expression within the household, is an important component of family dynamics.
The position of power within a family often depends on factors such as gender, age, and economy, influencing the relationships between family members.
The symmetrical family concept, coined by Willmott and Young, suggests a trend towards shared roles and increased equality within family households.

Parent-Child Relationships

Primary socialisation, a key aspect of the sociology of childhood, is the process through which children adopt the values and norms of their family setting.
The child-parent relationship can be influenced by parenting styles, varying from authoritative to indulgent, each shaping children’s behaviour and family dynamics differently.
The ever-changing role of childhood and the shift in children becoming more privatised and protected alter parent-child relationships.

Sibling Relationships

Sibling relationships represent some of the longest and most influential kinship bonds, contributing to socialisation and shaping familial roles.
The birth order theory by Adler suggests that the order in which siblings are born has a major impact on their personality development and interactions.

Roles, Rights and Responsibilities within Family

Responsibilities, roles, and rights can be determined by factors such as age, gender, or socio-economic positioning within the family.
The domestic division of labour refers to the split of tasks, roles, and duties within a household. This has evolved over time, with an increase in dual earner families and men taking on more domestic responsibilities.
The role of grandparents has evolved, often becoming secondary caregivers and imparting cultural and family traditions, significantly shaping family dynamics.

Marriages and Partnerships

Marriages and partnerships constitute valuable social structures, often reinforcing social norms and expectations.
The concept of living apart together (LAT) signifies couples who are in a relationship but retain separate households.
The shift from traditional nuclear family values has led to more acceptance of cohabitation, impacting family relationships.

Domestic Abuse in Families

While often hidden, domestic abuse directly affects the familial relationships and overall family dynamics.
Barring physical forms, abuse can also be emotional, controlling or coercive, with profound implications on the health and wellbeing of family members.