The Changing Role of Family and Relationships

Throughout the years, family roles have changed drastically. What was once
deemed the norm, in terms of family roles, is no longer what's considered typical
today.
The changing role of family and relationships is influenced by various
factors such as societal changes, individual lifestyles, and role ascriptions. (Peter
2020).

What Is Changing in Family Roles?

Family structures and roles have steadily shifted over time to adapt to various
sociocultural changes, as well as each unique family's needs.

Family Roles
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A family role is the position one has within the family household. One's role
encompasses how much power the individual holds within the family system and
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their responsibilities, as well as their impact on other family members. Family roles
range on a scale from unhealthy to healthy and impact the entire family system.

Family Roles List

Family Roles depend on the specific family structure, family roles may
include one or multiple parents (one mother role and/or one father role, two mothers,
two fathers, step-parents, a non-biological caregiver(s) or biological caregiver(s),
grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and two equal partners (married or
unmarried) with or without children. Some healthy family roles include:

 The nurturer
 A parent, caregiver, and/or partner who is empathetic,
understanding, and supportive of their partner and/or children (if they
have children).
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 The cheerleader
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A parent, caregiver, and/or partner who is supportive and

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encouraging of their other family member(s).

 The truth-teller

One who understands the family system and is able to observe it

critically and share their thoughts; if done in an appropriate way, this
individual can provide the family with incredible insight.

In a healthy family system, in a romantic partnership of adults, both are loving,

treat each other with respect, and see each other as equals. In a familial system with a
child or children involved, whoever the parent(s) or caregiver(s) are hold the most
power, are nurturing, set boundaries and are also flexible, and foster emotional and
physical development by creating a safe home environment.

Role of Children in the Family

Within a healthy family, the role of a child is to be a child, meaning that they
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hold less power than their parent, parents, or caregiver(s). In a healthy family system,
a child's physical and emotional development are nurtured by a parent(s) or
caregiver(s). Children may have certain expectations asked of them depending on
their unique family system. This may include active participation in family events,
sharing their opinion, being truthful, and completing age appropriate chores. In
unhealthy family systems, a child may:

 Take on the role of parent (parentified) on a regular basis

 Act as a stand in spouse

  Be forced to seek their own food, water, shelter, and warmth

When a child experiences abuse and/or neglect, they are no longer allowed to
be a child. They are forced to put their physical and emotional developmental needs
on hold in order to survive. When they do reach adulthood, they may unconsciously
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regress into a child role because these needs were not fulfilled appropriately.

List of Different Reasons for Changes in Family

Family roles can change if the family experiences a structural shift due to:

 A traumatic shared or individual experience

 A chronic illness

 A death

 A divorce

 A remarriage

 An illness or injury

 A birth
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 Career changes

Changing in Family Roles?

 Gender Equality
 Dual-Income Families
 Single-Parent Families
 Blended Families
 Increased Role of Grandparents
  Role Flexibility
 Expanded Definitions of Family
 Role Reversal

 Intergenerational Living
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 Technology and Distance

 Support Systems
 Alternative Work Arrangements
 Personal Development
 Emphasis on Communication
 Co-Parenting

Essential Roles for Effective Family Functioning

Regardless of who is in the family or how many individuals are in the family,
a healthy family displays the following characteristics.

 Meets everyone's basic needs: food, water, shelter, warmth.

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 If there are two partners, both feel physically and emotionally safe with each
other.
 In families with one or more children, the family is structured with the
parent(s) and/or caregiver(s) at the top making healthy decisions that impact
the family.
 Nurtures the child or children's social, emotional, physical, and educational
development.
 Is empathetic, loving, and supportive of each other.