Question 13: In recent years, the family structure has changed, as well as family

roles. What are the changes that have occurred? Do you think these changes are
positive or negative?

Over the past few decades, families have significantly shifted in terms of organisation and
responsibility distribution. The most striking changes are the transition from extended
families to other alternative structures with the nuclear family being the norm and the more
active role of women as family heads and providers. From my perspective, these
developments are greatly advantageous.

The transformation of the family unit in recent years is glaring. One generation ago,
extended families, typically consisting of grandparents, parents and children and even
some relatives, lived together under one roof. However, due to economic and social
development, this structure is no longer prevalent and has been replaced by the nuclear
family – the one with two generations namely parents and children. This shift is positive in
a number of ways. Firstly, with reduced numbers of family members, the elementary
families offers people more privacy than extended ones. Secondly, generational conflicts
which are common in the latter can be reduced or eliminated in the former.

When it comes to changes in family roles, the most noticeable one is the rise of women as
earners and decision makers in their families. In the past, the husband was the
breadwinner and the head who decided every single issue in each household, while the
wife was supposed to be compliant and relegated to childrearing and doing domestic
chores. Today, with their increased participation in the labour force and better education,
women can make growing financial contribution to their families and be more involved in
household decision making. These developments should also be embraced for the
benefits they can generate. For one, with their increasingly important roles, women are
gaining greater respect and appreciation from their life partners, and this could act as a
catalyst for further action to be taken to achieve gender equality. Moreover, financial
burdens, which tend to be onerous in single-eaner households, can be eased in two-
income families.

In conclusion, the shift from extended families to nuclear ones and the greater part that
women play in their homes are the most notable changes in today’s households and I
would contend that these trends bring about scores of benefits.

(356 words, written by Hau Pham)