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Unit 7 Family Dynamics: Mapping Family Relationships

1. Define family dynamics.

Family dynamics are the patterns of relating to the members in a family, determined by the daily interactions between them. These interactions are a reflection of the larger culture and socio-political scenario that the family is a part of. Family dynamics also refer to the ever-changing needs of the members within a family, which change with time and are influenced by macro-level changes.

2. List down the factors that influence family dynamics.

1. Family values, 
2. Culture and ethnicity, 
3. Beliefs about gender roles, 
4. Parenting practices,
5. Power or status of family members, 
6. Nature of attachments in the family, and 
7. Nature of the parents' relationship. 

3. List down the factors that determine roles and responsibility in the family. 

1. Age, 
2. Stage of life, and 
3. Gender. 

4. Write short notes on: 

Conventional and contemporary roles: In today's society, the social changes, economic conditions and family needs have created many dual earner families, especially in the middle class context. Additionally, women's higher education has led to the emergence of dual career families. The load of work is often more on women, and in varied spheres such as the office, home and related institutions; increasing the pressure on her. The work demands and added responsibilities may lead to stress and tension in relationships as well. This may happen when one partner is highly involved in her or his career and does not fulfil the parallel family responsibilities or feels that she or he is unable to do so. 

Variation in family structure and role distribution: It is usually observed that joint families are more traditional and thus the roles are more or less prescribed strictly on the basis of age and gender. Also, as there are more number of persons around to share the responsibilities attached to a role, there may be less opportunities to take up cross gender roles. Whereas in nuclear families, because of lesser number of individuals, the members may be required to perform roles on the basis of need rather than age and gender. 

5. Write a short note on changing structure of family. 

The structure of the family is changing as societies change from agrarian based economies to industrial and post-industrial economies. In the contemporary Indian context one can find different types of families such as nuclear or extended households, single parent families; and such different types will influence family interactions, work distribution and ways of relating to each member as well. This would have an impact on roles of individuals within the family. Smaller families with dual career couples would demand differential role division.

6. Explain the concept of family dynamics by using appropriate examples from the Indian context.

Family dynamics refers to the patterns of interaction and relationships among family members, influenced by daily interactions, culture, socio-political factors, and the changing needs of individuals. In the Indian context, this could be seen in how families balance traditional roles with modern influences, such as in a family where the parents may have traditional expectations of their children, but children may also have their own career goals. The influence of globalisation and technology can also cause a shift in family interactions and relationships, impacting how roles are perceived, allocated and performed within the family unit.

7. Which are the major determinants of roles in an Indian family?

Roles and responsibilities are influenced by factors such as tradition, cultural norms, gender, and age.

8. What is the impact of technology, media, and globalisation on the dynamics of a family in India?

Technology, media, and globalisation have a significant impact on family dynamics in India. They can lead to:

• Changes in family structure: Families might become more nuclear or dual-earner, moving away from traditional joint family systems.
• Changes in roles: Traditional gender roles may be challenged as women seek more autonomy and men may take on a greater role in childcare.
• Role confusion and conflict: Family members may experience stress as they try to navigate these new roles and expectations.

9. Explain the terms role confusion, role conflict, and role stress as experienced by family members in role fulfilment within the family.

• Role confusion occurs when an individual has difficulty determining which role they should play within the family. This may arise from shifting family structures and expectations and can occur when there is an absence of clarity around who is responsible for particular tasks or behaviours within the family unit, or when traditional role assignments are challenged.
• Role conflict arises when fulfilling a certain role has a conflict with fulfilling another role. For instance, a working mother might experience conflict between her work responsibilities and her family responsibilities.
• Role stress is a state of mental and emotional strain that occurs when an individual is unable to cope with the demands of their role within the family. An example of this would be a parent who is experiencing burnout and strain due to the constant demands of childcare, especially if there is also financial pressure.

10. What is the impact of the family interactions and relationships between members on individual behaviours?

Answer: The relationships and interactions between family members have a direct impact on individual behaviours. Family attitudes and interactions influence a person's self-identity and self-worth. Family dynamics impact individual behaviours, such as when the family environment is supportive and nurturing, the individuals will develop positive self-concepts and behaviours. Conversely, when there are conflicts or negative interactions it can manifest in disruptive behaviours for the individual and family. The family is a primary unit that shapes individuals and their behaviours, so how a family functions will have a strong influence on the members of that family. 

Important Points

• Earlier the family was considered as the primary unit of socialisation.
• Social change demands a change in the functioning of the family system, which in tum leads to a change in the social roles. 
• Role conflicts may be minimised by performing roles linked to one status at one time and place. 
• A family's attitude towards its members influences their self-identity and self-worth.
• Each role demands certain responsibilities regardless of cultural background.
• Individual behaviours include the focus on activities that may be disrupting for the individual and the family.