The changing role of men within the family

Abstract

It is acknowledged that the incredible changes that society has undergone during the 20th century, particularly during its latter half have dramatically altered not just our way of life but also society in general. Many look at the family as the most basic component of society, and hence, through these same views, the family unit becomes a mirror of that same society in which it lives. The aforementioned changes in society therefore were reflected in no small way on the family unit and while many past burdens were eased or in some cases eliminated completely, circumstances have changed so much that new challenges face the family these days. With the same breath that one mentions those inventions that have made our life easier, one might also reflect on the fact that the family unit has existed for thousands of years without microwave ovens or washing machines or television sets. By that statement, in no way do I want to be taken as implying that everyone should do away with modern commodities as I, personally, most definitely do not believe that! However, by that statement I want to simply draw attention to the fact that while there is nothing wrong in embracing progress, at the same time value must still be given to those deep-rooted factors that make and bond the family unit. It is those same factors that have helped the family unit change and adapt itself to circumstances and situations which vary not only through different historical periods but also from country to country. [...]