Professional Documents
Culture Documents
2024
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
B.G.C.S.E 2024
QUESTION:
The structure of the Bahamian Family today is the cause of many social
problems. Discuss.
Question:
1
3 1 Kieante Cephas
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page
INTRODUCTION
Acknowledgement
Sub- question 2-What are the rights and responsibilities of family members? 
Sub question 4- Divorce has been one of the causes of the change in the Bahamian Family structure. Do you
agree or disagree? Give reasons to support your answer.
Sub- question 5- To what extent does the change in the Bahamian Family structure lead to the many social
problems in our society today?
Sub-question 6- How do you think the family can help to combat the social problems in our society today?
Sub- question 7- Assess the role the church play in creating a good family.
Appendices
1
4 1 Kieante Cephas
INTRODUCTION
The family structure in the Bahamas has changed drastically, “gone are the
days” when children came from a two parent, married couple home. Today in the
Bahamas, there are a vast amount of single parent households, more specifically,
single mother homes. Oxford defines family as, “a group consisting of one or two
parents and their children.” The Bible reveals God's beneficial family plan. God
creates new families by uniting men and women through marriage (Genesis 2:23).
Also, children are a blessing from God (Psalm 127:3). Lastly, God provides a means
for everyone to be a part of his eternal family through Jesus Christ (1 John 3:1a).
The purpose of the study is to investigate the Bahamian family structure and
determine whether the current social issues are related to it. The author has done
extensive study on the subject, and the results are presented there. The use of
questionnaires is one of the primary research tools.
It is hoped that this study will shed a lot of light on the subject at hand.
1
5 1 Kieante Cephas
Acknowledgement
Firstly, I want to start by giving God the glory for enabling me to do the
research and finish this project. I also want to recognize and express my gratitude
to all the people that helped me complete this coursework.
Finally, I'd like to express my gratitude to everyone who took the time to
complete the questionnaire and offer data for this research. Special thanks go out
to Temple Christian School Library for offering excellent workspaces.
1
Kieante Cephas
1
[KU-15]
The word “family” is unique, special, and provocative among different cultures and ethnicities.
As defined by Random House Western Dictionary, a family is “any group of persons closely
related by blood, such as parents, children, uncles, aunts, and cousins”. My notion of family does
not adhere to the adage "blood is thicker than water," yet the definition from Random House
does. Blood ties are not what define or limit a family. A family is simply a group of individuals
who continuously show one other their love and support. No matter one's sexual inclination or
orientation, all families uphold these universal values. As a result, a family is formed when
We will simply cover five of the many diverse families that exist.
Nuclear Family
The term "nuclear family" refers to a family unit made up of a married couple and their
dependent children who live under the same roof. In many nations, this kind of family structure
significance of this family structure in social organization, "nuclear" signifies the core or
fundamental unit of society. A husband and wife who are legally married normally make up a
nuclear family, though they may occasionally be in a long-term committed relationship without a
legal union. They are the parents of the family's offspring, either naturally or through adoption.
Usually, the children are their biological children, but they could also be adopted or stepchildren
1
Kieante Cephas
Kieante Cephas
2
from past marriages. Only the immediate family lives together, which defines the nuclear family
as being small. This contrasts with extended families, which may also include grandparents,
aunts, uncles, and cousins who reside in the same home or close by. In a nuclear family, the
parents and their kids are the main subjects of attention, resulting in a close-knit structure that
develops deep emotional attachments and shared duties. Culture to culture, the idea of the
nuclear family has changed over time. It coexists with other family structures like extended
structure. The prevalence and acceptance of nuclear families are influenced by elements
including cultural norms, economic conditions, and personal choices. Nuclear families offer a
stable and safe environment for kids to grow up in, which is one of its benefits. When both
parents are present, they can offer stability in terms of their finances as well as emotional
support. Furthermore, a nuclear family's smaller size frequently results in more efficient
decision-making processes. However, there may be drawbacks to this family structure as well.
There can be less resources available for childcare and home duties because there are fewer
adults in a nuclear family. Parents may experience higher stress and workload as a result,
particularly if they must juggle job and family obligations. In addition, children may lack social
support and have a more limited range of ideas and experiences due to the absence of extended
family members. A nuclear family, in summary, is a unit of kinship made up of a married couple
and their dependent offspring. It is distinguished by its diminutive size, strong emotional
relationships, and joint duties. While it offers children security and stability, it may also provide
difficulties in terms of resources and assistance. Different factors determine how common and
2
Kieante Cephas
Kieante Cephas
3
Extended Family
A sort of family structure known as an extended family consists of grandparents, aunts, uncles,
cousins, and occasionally even close family acquaintances in addition to the nuclear family
(parents and their offspring). This kind of family unit includes many generations and other
family tree branches in addition to the immediate family. In many cultures around the world,
extended families are important because they give their members support, direction, and a sense
of belonging. In times of need, they frequently function as a source of emotional, monetary, and
practical support. In some communities, extended families cohabitate in the same home or within
walking distance of one another, promoting intimate relationships between generations and
communal living arrangements. The composition and dynamics of extended families can vary
greatly depending on cultural norms, geographical location, socioeconomic factors, and personal
preferences. Some extended families may be large and include numerous relatives, while others
may be smaller with only a few additional members. The relationships within an extended family
can be complex and diverse, with different roles and responsibilities assigned to each member
based on age, gender, and cultural traditions. Extended families can provide numerous benefits to
their members. They offer a support system that can help individuals navigate life's challenges,
provide childcare assistance, share financial burdens, and offer emotional comfort. Additionally,
they act as a storehouse for the history, customs, and values of the family, transferring
knowledge from one generation to the next. It's crucial to keep in mind nevertheless that not
everyone has access to an extended family system. Extended families are becoming less common
in some areas because of factors like migration, urbanization, shifting societal standards, and
individual decisions. In these situations, people can place a greater emphasis on their own
3
Kieante Cephas
Kieante Cephas
4
generations and family tree branches in addition to the nuclear family unit. It is essential to many
cultures because it gives its members a sense of support, direction, and belonging. Extended
families can have a wide range of members and dynamics, but they frequently provide
Single-Parent Families
A household where only one parent is in charge of providing for and raising the children is
referred to as a single parent family. This kind of family structure can develop for a number of
reasons, including divorce, separation, the death of a spouse, or the decision to have a kid alone.
Single parent households can be headed by either a mother or a father, and they can take many
different forms, such as widowed parents, divorced parents, unmarried parents, or single moms
or fathers. Families with a single parent confront difficulties and responsibilities. The sole
caregiver must fulfill both the nurturing and financial roles typically shared by two parents in a
traditional family. They often must juggle multiple responsibilities, such as managing household
tasks, providing emotional support, attending to their children's educational needs, and
maintaining employment to support the family financially. Balancing these demands can be
overwhelming and may lead to increased stress levels for the single parent. Single parent
families frequently struggle financially. Managing the family's financial demands when there is
only one source of income can be difficult. Inadequate shelter, food, clothes, healthcare, and
education may be difficult for single parents to provide for their kids. The opportunities for
extracurricular or leisure activities may also be constrained by this financial strain. For single
4
Kieante Cephas
Kieante Cephas
5
parent families, emotional support is essential. For both the parent and the child, the absence of a
second parent can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Being solely responsible for all
aspects of parenting can drain single parents emotionally. Children in single parent families may
also experience emotional difficulties as they try to figure out who they are and deal with living
without a parent.
Families with only one parent nonetheless show courage and perseverance in the face of these
difficulties. Numerous single parents form close relationships with their kids and foster loving
environments that encourage personal and social development. Single parents can benefit greatly
from the assistance and emotional support provided by their support networks, which may
In conclusion, a one parent family is a home where one parent handles most of the children's care
and upbringing. This family structure can take many different forms and comes with its own set
of difficulties, including the need for emotional support and financial hardship. However, single
parent households also show tenacity and fortitude in creating a nurturing home for their kids.
Extended Family
An extended family refers to a type of family structure that includes not only the nuclear family
(parents and their children) but also other relatives such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins,
and sometimes even close family friends. This form of family unit expands beyond the
proximity. Extended families play a significant role in many cultures around the world,
providing support, care, and a sense of belonging. They often serve as a social safety net,
offering emotional, financial, and practical assistance to their members. In some cases, extended
5
Kieante Cephas
Kieante Cephas
6
families may live together under one roof, sharing resources and responsibilities. In other
instances, they may live in separate households but maintain regular contact and involvement in
fostered, enabling kids to form close relationships with their grandparents and other family
members. In times of need or catastrophe, it offers a larger support network. Extensive families
can also contribute to cultural continuity by transferring traditions, values, and customs from one
However, it is important to note that the concept of an extended family can vary across different
Stepfamily
A stepfamily is a newly formed family unit also known as a mixed family. Cultural
differences affect family structures.when two persons who have had children together in
the past marry. In a stepfamily, at least one of the spouses' children from a previous
marriage or relationship are assimilated into the present family.Stepfamilies may result
from it.Cultures can have different family structures, with some emphasizing nuclear
families or alternative arrangements while others place more value on extended families.d
in a number of circumstances, such as separation, divorce, and the loss of a partner. After
dissolving a previous relationship, people have the choice to cohabit with their new partner
Members of a stepfamily experience a variety of The dynamics within the group can be
challenging due to relationships and roles. The stepparent, who is not the children's
6
Kieante Cephas
Kieante Cephas
7
biological parent, assumes parental duties in the home. This function may alter according to
a person's circumstances and interests. While some stepparents want to take on parental
activities. Stepchildren may experience challenges adjusting to their new family dynamics.
They might have to adjust to a new set of siblings living with them and possibly utilizing
their parents' time and resources. Additionally, they might need to establish new ties with
their stepparent and possibly navigate challenging emotions like attachment and loyalty. To
address any issues or concerns that might come up in sIn stepfamilies, open conversation
and interaction are crucial. By establishing clear boundaries, setting realistic expectations,
and fostering a sense of belonging among every member of the family, the stepfamily can
There are numerous benefits for stepfamilies as well. They provide an inviting environment
for both adults and children and offer them the possibility to form new, meaningful ties.
New siblings can form lasting relationships, and stepparents can give stepchildren extra
In conclusion, a stepfamily is a new family made up of two people who had children from
previous partnerships. It requires juggling a variety of relationships and roles, which can be
challenging for both adults and children. However, stepfamilies can flourish and offer a
loving environment for all members with good communication, comprehension, and
support.
7
Kieante Cephas
Kieante Cephas
8
Grand-parent Families
arrangement, is a type of family structure in which the grandparents are primarily in charge
of parenting their grandchildren. This may happen for several reasons, including the
of things like substance misuse, jail, mental illness, or even death. In these situations,
Grandparent households are essential to society because they give vulnerable children a
safety net and ensure their well-being. These families frequently face certain difficulties
and duties that are different from those of conventional nuclear families. As they handle the
endure financial difficulty, health problems, emotional stress, and social isolation.
Grandparent families have become more common in recent years for a number of reasons.
The rise in parental substance usage and addiction rates is one important contributing
reason. For instance, the opioid problem has increased the number of youngsters placed in
grandmother care. Poverty and economic volatility can also make it more difficult for
parents to provide for their children. Grandparent relationships may experience significant
effects on both the grandparents and the grandkids. Being the main caregiver can be
physically and emotionally taxing on grandparents. They could need to modify their
retirement plans, deal with aging-related health difficulties, and experience financial
satisfaction and joy in giving their grandkids a secure environment. Being raised by
grandparents can provide security and continuity for grandchildren during times of family
8
Kieante Cephas
Kieante Cephas
9
upheaval. It gives them a sense of stability and love and enables them to preserve
significant familial ties. They might, however, also feel a sense of loss or uncertainty due to
their parents' absence. Numerous nonprofits and governmental initiatives have been
emotional support. By addressing the specific needs of grandparent families, these projects
act as the children's main caregivers. This kind of arrangement frequently results from
confront unique difficulties, grandparent households are crucial in giving stability and care
9
Kieante Cephas
Kieante Cephas
10
and rights must be respected. Depending on cultural, societal, and legal standards, these duties
and rights can change. Though diverse cultures and communities have different characteristics,
there are some common threads that run through them all.
1. Support and Care: The need to support and care for one another among family members is
one of their main duties. This includes aid when needed, physical care, and emotional support.
During trying times, family members ought to be there for one another, lending a sympathetic
2. Nurturing and Education: It is very important for parents to raise and educate their children.
They should offer a secure and nurturing environment where kids can learn, grow, and hone their
skills. In order to assist kids, attain their maximum potential, this includes meeting their
fundamental requirements, such as food, clothes, and housing, as well as giving them access to
educational possibilities.
3. Respect and Communication: Family members ought to appreciate one another and
communicate clearly with one another. Respect means appreciating one another's viewpoints,
personal boundaries, and space. Conflict resolution, emotional expression, and maintaining good
4. Financial Support: Family members are expected to make financial contributions to the
10
Kieante Cephas
Kieante Cephas
11
household in accordance with their capacities. This could entail working to support the family's
needs or pitching in to help with shared costs like rent, groceries, or educational expenses.
5. Sharing Household Chores: The obligation for keeping the home tidy and ordered falls on all
family members. Each family member should pitch in with domestic tasks like cooking,
6. Guidance and Discipline: Parents have a duty to help their kids make moral decisions and
develop moral ideals in them. This entails establishing limits, upholding regulations, and
7. Caring for Elderly or Dependent Family Members: Care for elderly or dependent family
members who may need assistance due to age, illness, or disability is a duty on the part of family
members. This may entail giving them medical attention, emotional support, and making sure
they're okay.
1. Respect and Dignity: Every member of the family has a right to dignity and respect. This
entails being heard, having their thoughts valued, and not experiencing verbal or physical
violence.
2. Privacy and Personal Space: Within the family unit, people have a right to privacy and
personal space. This calls for respecting boundaries and allowing people the freedom to enjoy
3. Equal Opportunities: Every member of the family has a right to equal chances for education,
personal development, and progress. This involves having access to resources, encouragement to
pursue personal objectives, and receiving fair treatment without prejudice based on gender, age,
or other considerations.
11
Kieante Cephas
Kieante Cephas
12
4. Safety and Security: Everyone in the family has a right to feel safe and secure in their own
home. This covers defense against physical harm, psychological exploitation, or any other form
of violence.
members should be guaranteed. This can involve talking about important life decisions, family
6. Freedom of Expression: Within the family unit, every family member has the freedom to
express their ideas, sentiments, and opinions. Family members can have healthy conversations
7. Support in Times of Need: In times of need or catastrophe, family members have the right to
count on their help. This can include any necessary forms of help, such as financial support or
emotional support.
It is crucial to keep in mind that these obligations and rights may change based on the cultural,
societal, and legal circumstances. Regarding family duties and obligations, different cultures and
societies could have expectations and conventions. Family members may also have special rights
12
Kieante Cephas
Kieante Cephas
13
[KU-10]
Families are susceptible to the negative effects of social pressure, which can
affect family dynamics, relationships, and general wellbeing. The impact of social
pressure on families will be examined in this response, along with the different types of
1. Economic Pressure: Families who are struggling financially often experience great
stress, which can result in tension and conflict. It can be extremely stressful to meet basic
requirements like food, shelter, and clothing, especially for families with only one parent
2. Cultural Expectations: Cultural norms and expectations can also exert significant
pressure on families. For example, some cultures place great emphasis on traditional
gender roles, which can limit the opportunities and choices available to individuals within
the family. Similarly, certain cultural practices or beliefs may be at odds with modern
3. Social Media Pressure: In today's digital age, social media has become a significant
source of social pressure for families. Parents may feel pressure to present a perfect
image of their family on social media, while children may be subjected to cyberbullying
4. Parental Pressure: Parents may also experience pressure from their own parents or
13
Kieante Cephas
Kieante Cephas
14
other family members to conform to certain expectations or traditions. This can lead to
1. Mental Health Issues: Chronic exposure to social pressure can take a toll on family
members' mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and other issues. Children are
particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of social pressure, as it can impact their
2. Relationship Strains: Social pressure can strain relationships within the family,
causing tension and conflict between family members. This can lead to communication
breakdowns and a lack of emotional support, which can further exacerbate mental health
issues.
3. Financial Stress: Families who are struggling financially often experience great stress,
which can result in tension and conflict. It can be extremely stressful to meet basic
requirements like food, shelter, and clothing, especially for families with only one parent
4. Loss of Identity: In families, social pressure can also result in a loss of identity
because people may feel pressured to follow social norms rather than pursuing their own
within the family to lessen the harmful impacts of peer pressure. Family members
14
Kieante Cephas
Kieante Cephas
15
are better able to understand one another and find support when they talk about
societal pressure by setting clear limits. This can entail developing guidelines for
acceptable social media use or defining expectations for particular cultural customs
or traditions.
3. Seeking Support: When coping with the detrimental impacts of social pressure,
families shouldn't be reluctant to seek assistance from other sources, such as therapy
or support groups. These materials can offer useful techniques and methods for
pressures that they may experience and the effects of those pressures.
15
Kieante Cephas
Kieante Cephas
16
disagree? [JPR-10]
Divorce can be a difficult time for a family. Not only are the parents realizing new ways of
relating to each other, but they are learning new ways to parent their children. When
parents divorce, the effects of divorce on children can vary. Some children react to divorce
in a natural and understanding way, while other children may struggle with the transition.
Therefore I agree with the statement that “Divorce has been one of the causes of the change
in the Bahamian family structure.” Firstly, I agree because it can be proven that people of
The Bahamas can be very prideful. This pridefulness can lead to divorcees making their
children choose between which parent they want to live with. For example this pridefulness
may cause rifts in the relationship as one of the divorcees may not want to step up and have
a conversation about what should happen with their children. Secondly, I agree because not
only are they’re a high number of single parent families in The Bahamas there’s also a high
rate of divorces in marriages in The Bahamas. Divorce can lead to many conflicts between
the child and the divorcees. For example the child may blame his or her mother for the
divorce and or his or her father for the divorce causing a break in the family structure and
therefore leading to more conflicts and banthers happening between either parent and the
child. This problem can lead to a lot of other things which leads me to my next point.
Lastly, I agree because divorce in parents mostly all the time leads to depression in their
child. The child always ends up questioning if it's their fault or maybe if they didn’t do this
16
Kieante Cephas
Kieante Cephas
17
or that. The child may also be led into depression because they may feel neglected by either
parent considering they must go from seeing one parent every single day to seeing them
whenever either of them is free. Divorce may trigger an adjustment disorder in children that
resolves within a few months. But, studies have also found depression and anxiety rates are
higher in children from divorced parents. Depression leads to the child becoming distant
from everyone in their lives including their parents which also affects the structure of the
family.
In conclusion to the points that I have stated I further agree with the statement that
“Divorce has been one of the causes of the change in the Bahamian family structures”
because children in divorced families receive less emotional support, financial assistance,
and practical help from their parents which can cause rifts in the family structures.
17
Kieante Cephas
Kieante Cephas
18
18
Kieante Cephas
Kieante Cephas
19
nurturing strong relationships, promoting values and being supportive, families can
education, families can prioritize education and encourage their children to acquire
knowledge and skills. Families that prioritize education can decrease issues like
illiteracy and lack of opportunities. For example, parents can participate in reading
activities with their children, support their children's academic efforts, and advocate
Second, by instilling moral values, the family has the power to shape the moral
violence and corruption. For example, parents can set an example by treating
Third, encouraging open and healthy communication within the family will promote
speak effectively and listen actively, they will be better equipped to solve social
Fourth, family mental health care can play an important role in supporting mental
health. By creating a safe and supportive environment, families can help prevent
mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. Families can address
19
Kieante Cephas
Kieante Cephas
20
health issues by promoting open and honest discussions about their emotions,
mental health. Families that promote gender equality have the opportunity to
challenge traditional gender roles and promote equality within their families.
Fifth, by treating all family members with equal respect and providing them with
equal opportunities for growth and development, families can help reduce
Sixth, to encourage cultural diversity, families can celebrate and embrace cultural
and perspectives, families can promote inclusion and respect for diversity. For
cultural exchanges.
Eighth, teach financial literacy: Families can help address economic disparities by
budgeting, saving and spending habits can help reduce issues such as financial
instability and debt. For example, parents can engage their children in discussions
about financial management and guide them in making wise financial decisions.
Promoting healthy habits and preventing health-related social problems is the ninth
20
Kieante Cephas
Kieante Cephas
21
health), and unhealthy thinking and behavior. strong. For example, families can
Finally, emotional support for the family plays an important role in providing
trust and empathy, families can help individuals overcome personal difficulties and
reduce the risk of social problems such as addiction or isolation. To help with this,
family members can offer a listening ear, provide support, or seek professional
21
Kieante Cephas
Kieante Cephas
22
22
Kieante Cephas
Kieante Cephas
23
Conclusion
23
Kieante Cephas
Kieante Cephas
24
1. https://www.quora.com/What-is-my-role-in-the-family
2. https://tryingtogether.org/dap/types-of-family-structures/
3. https://www.familyeducation.com/?home
4. https://www.iosrjournals.org/iosr-jnhs/papers/vol9-issue6/Series-
3/G0906034757.pdf
5. https://www.verywellfamily.com/psychological-effects-of-divorce-
on-kids-4140170#:~:text=Mental%20Health
%20Problems&text=Divorce%20may%20trigger%20an
%20adjustment,in%20children%20from%20divorced%20parents.
6. https://marripedia.org/effects_of_divorce_on_family_relationships
7. Kim, S., & Lee, Y. (2018). The effects of parental social support on
adolescent adjustment: Moderating role of parent-adolescent
relationship quality. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 47(10), 2069-
2084.
8. Lam, M. (2019). The influence of cultural values on family relationships.
Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 50(6), 841-856.
24
Kieante Cephas
Kieante Cephas
25
Appendices
25
Kieante Cephas
Kieante Cephas
26
26
Kieante Cephas
Kieante Cephas
27
27
Kieante Cephas
Kieante Cephas
28
28
Kieante Cephas
Kieante Cephas
29
26. Do you think the laws of the land are stiff enough to
force criminals to think twice before committing a crime?
Yes No
27. Do you think the slow process of the court system is part
of the problem contributing to an increase in murder? Yes
No
30. What do you think are some of the initiatives that can be
put in place to reduce crime in The Bahamian society?
(i) ______________________________________________
(ii) ___________________________________________
29
Kieante Cephas
Kieante Cephas
30
(iii) ___________________________________________
30
Kieante Cephas