It is often argued that the extended family still has an important role in the society. Even though the jury is still out, I strongly belive that the importance of the extended family is gradually decreasing. The rationale behind this is that the role of family was transfered to social institute such as school. Moreover, People begin to repect other family members' independency when compare with past.
First, institutions take over the role of the extended family. In other words, the common family rarely responsible for care-giving or education. Instead, schools and kindergarten, day care center play an important role in those sector. Today, most parents have their job. Therefore they used to take their children to the kindergarten while working. This is because not only increased women's employment but also more money is needed to run their family without debt. This situation is no more strange, rather commonly accepted by people. This clearly support the idea that institutes or facilities play a more crucial role in caring for children or teaching that was once a part of family's reign.
Second, each family member tend to repect other's independence life. Put it differently, because of their job or school location, family members become used to live seperately. Even if they meet regularly at important holiday, basically, they do not live together in the same place. This lead to limited role of the extended family. Due to the long distance, grandparents cannot care for their children. Furthermore, they do not want to nurture child, rather they wish to enjoy their own life without burden. This may be dimed as disconnection between family member, still they love each other and revere other member's life.
For these reasons, the extended family seldom play a crucial role these days. This is because not only the advance in specified facilities but also their independent life style. These are two most convincing reasons for my contention. |