How would you describe the family unit today?
Traditionally, a family unit consists of a mother, father and children. Personally, I believe a family consists of two parents and children; if children are not in the picture, then a family consists of a couple that are committed to each other. Basically a family is a group of people that loves you unconditionally, as you are. Laura Marie Haber, 24, Mcast Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering (Plant).
Family units nowadays are changing radically. The traditional family unit as we know it, made up of a man, a woman and children, is up for discussion. In my opinion, a family is where a person belongs and feels comfortable. Darren Portelli, 23, Mcast Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering (Plant).
The ‘family unit’ may mean different things to different people. Some may picture two parents and children. Personally, a family is where one is accepted and loved. Maria-Chiara Bartolo, 22, Bachelor of Arts in English and Philosophy.
How has it changed in the past 25 years?
It has changed because it is no longer comprised of a mother, father and more than two children. The definition has also changed as one does not have to be married or be of different gender to form a family. Laura Marie Haber
The work-life responsibilities have increased when compared to the laid-back families of previous generations. The priority, back then, was to raise and support a big family and nothing else. Nowadays, we are dominated by consumerist attitudes that prioritise what can be bought next. Thus we are spending more time trying to make money, than actually living life. Darren Portelli
The hustle and bustle of daily life has increased to such a point that, nowadays, both parents need to keep working, thus allowing children more responsibility from an early age. Independence has taken on a life of its own. Maria-Chiara Bartolo
What is causing these changes?
Change is caused due to progressive times; people are becoming more open-minded towards the definition of the family unit. It is no longer feasible for a parent to stay at home and raise children, so fewer children are being born in families today, which results in smaller family units. Laura Marie Haber
I think people are adopting a ‘live and let live’ attitude. It is a sort of NIMBY (not in my back yard) attitude, where as long as no one is being harmed and I’m not affected by it, I don’t mind the change. But like all changes, it is not necessarily solving issues without creating new challenges. Darren Portelli
With constant change in mentality, changes have been imposed on families along with the rest of society. The essence of family life has been lost to make way for self-indulgent needs. Maria-Chiara Bartolo
Interviews conducted by Insite – The Student Media Organisation.