What is a family? The family is a group of individuals who are intimately related, living uncer the same root, supporting and maintaining each other socially, econamically and ernotionally. Within a family, there may be found a conjugal pair, consisting of a husband and wife, and the consanguine family or blood relatives such as a mother and her children or a father and his children. Apart fram the characteristics mentioned before, members of a family share the following: ° common surname e resemblance (in most cases) ® same religious belief (in most cases)— THE NUCLEAR FAMILY The nuclear family consists of a mother, father and their children living under the same roof. The nuclear family is common in modem industrial societies. £, THE-EXTENDED FAMILY As the name itself suggests, the extended family consists of members that extend beyond a mother, father and their children. In one form of extended family, several generations may live together under the same roof or in a family compound. Such an extended family may consist of several married siblings, their spouses and offspring, together with grandparents and other relatives. HOUSEHOLD eee This situation occurs when both parents are absent from the home and older brothers/sisters take care of the younger ones. ‘An increase in the number of sibling households over the past few decades has been brought about by the death of both parents in a family due to AIDS. Some foced with this situation due nts by natural causes or due to desertion. In quite a number of Caribbean families, both parents migrate to the United States Co improve their economic standings. Older children are consequently {eft behind to care for their siblings. FAMILY TYPES THE CARIBBEAN | Nuclear family Sibling householdREORGANIZED FAMILY A reorganized family is formed when ‘one of the spouses has had an earlier relationship. A previous union may have been broken through death of a spouse or divorce. One spouse or both spouses may bring into the new family a child or children from former relationships. In such a family, children may have several half-sisters and half-brothers. As the name suggests, the single- parent family consists of only one parent living with his/her child or children. Single-parent families are formed out of the following circumstances: (2) One of the parents has died. (b) Marriage has broken down and has resulted in divorce or separation. ) Awoman bearing a child for a male who refuses to marry her, or whom she refuses to marry or live with, (d) Some single persons make deliberate choices not to marry but to adopt children. Single-parent familyR MARRIAGE Divorce proceedings are Costly and time- consuming. Proper preparation will ensure that marriages do not end up in the courts. Just as individuals spend years to prepare for a career, so too they must treat marriage, since it is expected to be a lifelong union. Here are some useful hints to help make a success of marriage. Find out all about your prospective spouse’s likes and dislikes. Ask yourself, “Will I be able to tolerate these qualities for the rest of my life?” This is important, since most people don’t change the habits to which they have become accustomed. Attend pre-marriage counselling sessions which paint a realistic picture of family life and deal with issues such as finance, communication, sex, offspring and their demands, together with other ‘problem’ topics which arise in marriages. Prepare for a career, One of the partners or both should have a stable income prior to marriage.MARRIAGE AND MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE RATES YEARS] UARRIAGE ie: 2000 27,028 2001 23,308 | 2002 23,070 2003 | 22,478 004 21,870 25,937 6 23,148 Figures for Jamaica. Source: Registrar General’s Department ‘A close look at the statistics above will reveal that the institution of marriage is indeed threatened. Generally, marriages are on the decline while divorce is on the increase, This shows that more and more people are becoming disenchanted with marriage. Any attempt to stem the tide of escalating divorce rates must consider the causes for the failure of so many marriages. Some of these are as follows: Financial problems A spouse may have never had a steady income or may have been retrenched. Neglect A spouse may be neglected because one or the other is too tied up with household chores or with attending to the demands of children. “I am too tired for anything, now’, is a statement that results from neglect. Loneliness The demands of a job sometimes result in a spouse being seldom at home. Interference Interference by in-laws or other relatives/ friends in the affairs of a couple, Infidelity Discovering that one’s spouse is unfaithful seems almost unforgivable to most. Abuse Mental, physical or sexual abuse of either partnerUnrealistic expectations Some couples feel that the honeymoon will continue indefinitely; they are not prepared to deal with the challenges and problems of family life. Independence Conflict arises when a working woman demands that she spends her money as she wishes; some men feel threatened and insecure if their wives’ incomes are higher than their own. Youthful marriage Statistics show that the probability of divorce is greater when couples get married while young as compared to getting married when older. Young people generally lack the tolerance, commitment and maturity to deal with problems when they arise. A couple may be granted a divorce on the following grounds: . Infidelity * — Abuse ® Separation; a couple living apart for more than two years is a ground for divorce ° Irreconcilable differences or incompatibility ° Mutual consent by both parties to obtain a divorce.