Family Relationship Perceptions Politicized?
Commonly made
claims about changes in family and other intimate relations are not supported
by actual research, British scientists argue. Instead, accounts of present-day
personal relations seem to be more a reflection of ideological stances.
Today's theorists
tend to emphasize either family breakdown and moral decline, or transformation
and democratization. The more negative account of family change appeals
to traditionalist, conservative interpretations, while liberals favor the
more positive version.
But statistical
research supports a third perspective: there has been little substantial
change in the way people relate to one another, and individuals continue
to place great importance on personal ties and obligations.
Though demographic
data show an increased diversity of living arrangements, such as divorcees,
lone parents and step-families, the statistics also demonstrate an enduring
continuity of traditional ties, with the majority of families still composed
of heterosexual couples.
This finding
is "an counterbalance to dominant and unsubstantiated claims of family
breakdown or greater individual freedom," the researchers said.
--
Copyright 2003 by United
Press International.
All rights reserved.
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