Form 11 Family

1.    What is family institute based on? Read the text and find differences and similarities in Belarusian and British family institutes. 

A human life begins in the family; here it is formed as a citizen. The family is a source of love, respect, solidarity and affection because it is based on what any civilized society can’t exist. The family is considered to be the measure of development and stability of the country. The family, as an institute of socialization, is the keeper of human values and culture of generations. Thanks to the family the state gets stronger and develops, the prosperity of the people is growing. The main options of family are:

• preservation and transfer from the generation to generation the values and traditions

• the birth and upbringing of children

• creating conditions for the development of all family members

• division of labor and mutual support

The institution of family has three important functions:

• To provide for the rearing of children

• To provide a sense of identity or belonging among its members

• To transmit culture between generations

However globalization bears new threats to a family institute. The forms of the family relations, wrong from the point of view of traditional morals, which have ripened in the foreign cultural environment, get also into the Belarusian society. In 2011 «The national program of demographic safety of the Republic of Belarus for 2011-2015» was adopted. One of the main objectives of the National program is strengthening the spiritual and moral bases of a family, revival and promotion of family values and traditions. The program demonstrates concern of the state in a condition of the family relations in the country. Supervising the social sphere it is necessary to take all necessary measures to stop depopulation of the nation.

As we see it today, the marriage in Belarus is the same as in England. Primarily it’s love, equality in relationships, compliance with the rules and arrangements, mutual respect and understanding. Family is a mobile social institute. Modern Belarusian families are characterized by the increasing age of marriage, delaying childbirth (the average age of women who are ready to give birth is about 28). Last year about 118 thousand children were born and it is the biggest number over the past 20 years. About 50% of children are born to be the second and subsequent. A number of orphans are decreasing. The critics suppose that happiness of the family depends on the members of the family. If father was brought up strictly he will bring up his child in such a way.

In Great Britain nowadays for creating family it’s necessary to observe four criteria: voluntary nature, 16 years old, people who marry shouldn’t be linked by other marriage and not be close relatives. It is forbidden to enter into marriage not only with people related by blood, but also with people who marriage is impossible with because of the moral foundations of the family itself. For example, a widower can’t marry his daughter in law or step-daughter. For British families marriage involves partnership, equal rules and duties. It was usual that marriages were just political deals. Parents could choose a partner for their child. Sometimes parents could find a partner when their child was at the age of 3. But in 2015 the law was taken and since then everybody should find his or her partner without parents. Walking along the streets in Britain it is practically impossible to see children with young mothers, only with middle aged women or men. It is because women give the birth to their first child very late. At first the British care about becoming financially independent and just after it about creating a family. Despite the late marriage it is usual to have up to 3 children. It is an interesting fact that grannies and grandfathers never help young families in children’s upbringing. Of course they love their grandsons or granddaughters and can take them at weekends but not more. There are a large number of various circles, sections, playgrounds for children in the UK. It is very convenient for mothers who spend all day at work and can't spend much time with children. The British have a patient character which helps to educate children. For example, mother can very long suffer the antics of her children and all his whims will be met only with a kind smile. From a very early age the children are taught to society and life that surrounds them. Parents often take their children with them to stores, bars or cafes. In every public place there are rooms for children where you can leave the child under supervision, change clothes or feed him. The UK is one of the safest countries with the least accidents occur with children. The relationship of husband and wife to each other in the UK can probably be called the ideal of family life.

Form 11 The Russian Family and Marriage

The Russian Family and Marriage

  Russian families are large and friendly. The meaning of the family in Russia is not limited to the husband, wife and children. It stretches to include grandparents, aunts and uncles, brothers, sisters, nephews and nieces. The members of the Russian family closely communicate with each other and frequently get together, especially on such family occasions as birthdays and anniversaries. Just like in any family, there might be misunderstandings and even quarrels among family members, however one thing is certain: Russians cherish their families and are always ready to help their relatives in difficult times. The tradition that everyone should love their own home and protect their family is instilled into Russians since the early childhood.

Husband, Wife, and Age Differences

Just a few decades ago, it was very common among Russians to play the wedding at an early age. Young men and women would get married at the age of 18-20 while studying in their second or third year at the university. A typical student family (студенческая семья) would consist of a young husband and wife pursuing their university degrees while receiving material support from their parents.

According to the latest statistics, the marriages between Russians of the same age are much less common. In the majority of Russian families, the husband is 4-6 years older than his wife but the age difference of more than 10 years is still acceptable by most Russians (for example, the lead singer of the popular Russian band Mumiy Troll is sixteen years older than his young wife).

The Russian tradition, according to which a young woman had to get married as early as possible traces its roots to the distant past. In the ancient Rus', a fifteen year-old girl was considered to be mature enough for adult life and giving birth to children. Marriages were arranged and were a matter of practicality with the emphasis not being on romance. Such views on life preserved in Russia until the end of the twentieth century when marriages at the age of 18-20 were still common. It was only at the close of the twentieth century when an unmarried 20-year-old girl would no longer be referred to as someone who "stayed too long in maids" (засидеться в девках) and an unmarried 25-year-old woman would no longer be called the "old maid" (старая дева).

Nowadays the majority of young men and women in Russia prefer not to rush to marriage and such trend has gained popularity: prior to marriage, the future spouses strive to receive good education, find a decent job and achieve the first successes in their careers. By the time of marriage and the birth of children, the young families have their lives arranged and are able to support themselves financially.

Civil Union: Putting Feelings to the Test

Civil unions have been gaining popularity in Russia lately. A civil union is a relationship where a man and a woman live together and share household expenses without officially registering a marriage. Civil union is a great opportunity for the young couple to test their feelings and make sure they are ready for a family life together. A marriage becomes official when the couple receives a wedding certificate in the Civil Registry Office (ZAGS) and gets married in a civil ceremony. In addition to the official civil ceremony, many newlyweds arrange an Orthodox wedding ceremony in the Church.

The place of living

The question of where newlyweds will live is not an easy one to answer. Young couples rarely have an opportunity to buy their own apartment or a house. In wealthy families, an apartment may become a wedding gift from relatives. Some couples apply for a home loan to buy their first home. Other couples rent an apartment paying monthly rent to the landlord. However, there are still a lot of young families who prefer to live with their parents to save money. Living together as an extended family is so common in Russia that it can be called a tradition. It's been always a norm for grandparents, their children and grandchildren to live together as a family in one house. This trend has seen some changes lately. Nowadays, more and more young Russian families strive to get their own housing whereas the families regularly reunite during a weekend family dinner.

How to address the parents in Russian

The husband's in-laws are called тесть (father-in-law) and тёща (mother-in-law) in Russian. The wife's in-laws are called свёкор (father-in-law) and свекровь (mother-in-law).

When talking to their in-laws the young spouses may simply call them мама (mom) or папа (dad). At the same time, they use the formal pronoun вы to show respect to the older generation. However, that is not a requirement and each family finds their own ways to address their in-laws.

Parental Leave: Where to get help from?

The birth of children means that one of the spouses will be forced to temporarily leave work. Just like in other country, there are agencies providing the services of nannies and babysitters however their services are rather expensive and young spouses prefer to take care or children on their own. Many families receive the support of grandmothers. It's fairly common in Russia for a grandmother to look after children while their parents are at work. In any case, parents always have a right to leave work for the term specified by law. This time is called декретный отпуск (parental leave) and is paid by the state. Either the mother or the father of the newborn may уйти в декрет (take the parental leave) depending on whose job pays more.

Divorce

Just like in any other country, a couple may realize that their marriage has become obsolete after a few years of living together. Formal dissolution of marriage is called развод (divorce) and occurs when one of the spouses or both of them files and official request for divorce. The children may stay with either their mother or father but it's more common for mothers to keep bringing them up. After divorce, the father helps support his children till they turn 18 years old—the age when a child is considered and adult in Russia. The support comes in the form of monthly payments called "алименты" (alimony). The amount of child support that the father pays is 25% of wages for one child, 1/3 of wages for two children, or half of wages for three children.

Government Support

The Russian Federation actively supports young families to reduce the number of divorces. There is a special program in Russia that supports construction of housing for young couples and provides favorable terms for home loans.

When a child is born, the young family receives support in the amount of 343,387 rubles (approximately $11,000 in 2010). Many Russian families bring up three or more children. These families are called многодетные(large families) and receive discounts on electricity, gas, water, education and public transport.

Form 11 Chinese Family Values

Chinese Family Values

While China has increasingly adopted Western influences, the traditional family structure is still highly valued and holds a prominent position in the Chinese culture. Both traditional and modern Chinese families have some similar values and morals to one another, and these have been a part of daily life for many centuries.

Gender Roles

Traditional Chinese family values feature very clear-cut, different roles and rights for men and women. While these are rapidly changing, the original values are still evident on some levels.

Role of Men

In the traditional Chinese family, the man is responsible for maintaining, providing for and protecting his family. At the same time, he is given all the decision-making power when it comes to his wife, family and other family members. He is also responsible for taking care of and paying for his children, including their education, until they are married. In modern families, the family members consult elders about important decisions, but the father no longer has the final say in regard to his adult children's lives.

Role of Women

Women have traditionally served in a subordinate position within Chinese culture. Traditional Chinese mothers usually stayed in the home to take care of the home, the children, and the rest of the family. However, the role that women play within society is ever expanding. According to the 2010 United Nations Development Programme's Human Development Report, China received a gender equality ranking similar to the U.S. Additionally, the role of women is vastly altering. Due to the many opportunities, women are seeking careers rather than the traditional child-rearing role. However, there does seem to be a limit to what women can currently do, according to Fair Observer. There are fewer females than males in higher paying, higher power positions, like CEO roles, but this is quickly changing.

Patrilineal Descent

Traditional Chinese families honor the patrilineal descent system. This means that a child's lineage and descent is calculated from his father only. Men are the only ones that can inherit family membership and family land or other inheritance in this type of system.

Importance of Family

That statement 'family is life' holds true in Chinese culture. Family is very important. So important, in fact, that the family is the base of Chinese culture. Several Confucian thoughts are based around family. For example, three of the five important relationships are husband and wife, elder and younger siblings and brothers. To really understand the importance of family you need to examine the different relationships. There are also specific responsibilities and duties delineated to parents, children, and grandparents in China's 1980 marriage law, which is currently in effect. However, it should be noted that the role that family is playing is an evolving one, with some young adults breaking off from their culture and starting their own traditions.

Marriage

Marriage, family and children are also very important in the Chinese culture. Because such a large portion of the population lived in rural environments for so long, getting married and having children meant that you'd have workers and be able to create and maintain a homestead.

Traditional vs. Modern

Traditional marriages were arranged by the parents of the bride and groom. Many couples never even met one another until their wedding day. Arranged marriages were prohibited in the 1950 marriage law. Modern Chinese couples choose their own partners, but many still ask for their elders' approval.

Respect for Elders

As in many Asian cultures, the elders of the family are revered for their wisdom. This is founded in Confucianism though the concept of filial piety, devotion and respect of elders. In both traditional and modern families, elders are respected, taken care of and looked up to by the rest of the family. In traditional families, including those living in a rural environment, many households include five generations living together. Even in modern households, many grandparents live with their children and their kids. They typically play a large role in the raising of their grandchildren.

Changing Times

When elders die, they are traditionally honored by ancestor altars in homes, featuring candles, photographs and favorite items of the deceased. However, it has been noted that in urbanized areas this is starting to break down. In a journal article on China's rapidly aging population, it is shown that the concept of filial piety is starting to erode, bringing with it the potential concern of a lack of care for the elderly.

View on Children

In order to combat overcrowding and overpopulation, the People's Republic of China mandated a one-child-per-household policy in the late 1970s. This law often only applied to urban families while some rural families could get away with having more than one child. This policy influenced how children were looked at and led to female infanticide because females wouldn't be able to carry on the family name or inherit the family land. The policy was officially phased out in 2016.

Obedience and the Family Unit

In traditional families, all children are expected to obey their parents without discussion, and parents could legally kill their children if they disobeyed them or refused to show unquestioning obedience. In modern China, both girls and boys are usually treated equally. However, many Chinese parents are strict, since the choices of the children reflect on the parents. This comes back to the family being seen as a unit rather than individual people.

Changing Values

The Chinese culture has undergone many dramatic changes in recent years, but the family structure and the importance of family values remain a focus. Families are still cherished, honored and respected, whether you live in the traditional, rural environment, or the modern, urban city.

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