This work deals with the emergence of family and marriage, different family forms and changes in these family forms and the effects of new global changes. This also includes clarifying possible misunderstandings.
The first section of the paper discusses the exact difference between the two terms "marriage" and "family" and what exactly these two terms mean. Furthermore, the time of origin of marriage and family is discussed with regard to the different eras of the time, which range from the Middle Ages to the second half of the 20th century. The different eras show how the family and marriage have changed over the years. In addition, a distinction is made between marriage and family in law.
The next sections deal with the functions of the family, changes in family forms and their causes since 1950 and trends for the coming decades. The effects of the new global changes are included here.
Table of Contents
1 Abstract
2 Marriage and family
2.1 Definition of marriage and family
2.2 Historical representation of the origins of family and marriage
2.2.1 Middle Ages
2.2.2 Pre-modern
2.2.3 Modernity
2.2.4 First half of the 20th century
2.2.5 Second half of the 20th century
2.3 Distinction between marriage and family in law and in everyday life
3. Function of the family
4 Changes in family forms and their causes since 1950
5 Trends for the next decades
5.1 Effects of the new global changes
6 Reference
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This academic work explores the evolution and current status of family structures in Germany since the year 2000. It aims to clarify fundamental terminological distinctions, investigate historical shifts from the Middle Ages to the modern era, and examine how global pressures and changing social norms influence family composition and stability.
- Historical transformation of family and marriage from the Middle Ages to the late 20th century.
- Distinction between the legal definitions of marriage and family.
- Societal functions of the family unit, including reproductive, social, economic, and leisure aspects.
- Emergence of new family forms since 1950 and the impact of domestic and reproductive changes.
- Influence of global crises such as climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and digitalization on family life.
Excerpt from the Book
2.2.1 Middle Ages
The family in the Middle Ages represented the place of production of agricultural and craft items. There were various family forms or households. In noble or aristocratic families, procreation was the most important thing in order to secure a successor. Families in rural and urban regions, on the other hand, were more concerned with securing the family. The family was seen as a production community and every family member had to subordinate themselves to this. There was little opportunity to withdraw and emotional ties between family members were usually non-existent. The father was considered the most important member of the family and had great authority. He was responsible for protecting and providing for the family members (cf. Carolin Kulp 2010). Childhood was divided into three phases: Infantia, Pueritia and Adolescentia. The first phase is known as infantia and lasts from birth to the age of seven. During this time, parents had a moral responsibility towards their child, as the child was still helpless. If they disregarded this, they had to justify themselves before God. Children were baptized as early as possible, as it was assumed that unbaptized children died more quickly (cf. Jasmin-Nicole Schmid 2010).
Chapter Summaries
1 Abstract: This section outlines the scope of the work, focusing on family development in Germany since 2000 and addressing specific hypotheses regarding marriage and sexual orientation.
2 Marriage and family: This chapter defines the distinct meanings of marriage and family and provides a historical overview of their origins and structural changes from the Middle Ages to the end of the 20th century.
3. Function of the family: This chapter details the four primary functions of the traditional family—reproductive, socialization, economic, and leisure—alongside secondary political, religious, and legal roles.
4 Changes in family forms and their causes since 1950: This chapter analyzes the shift away from the traditional family model due to rising divorce rates, professional mobility, and the emergence of new forms like rainbow and insemination families.
5 Trends for the next decades: The chapter explores how the family adapts to modern challenges, specifically addressing the impact of climate change, the pandemic, and the increasing role of digital media.
6 Reference: A comprehensive list of academic sources, essays, and reports cited throughout the document.
Keywords
Family, Marriage, Social History, Middle Ages, Modernity, Domestic Life, Child Upbringing, Family Policy, Reproductive Medicine, Climate Change, COVID-19, Digitalization, Household Community, Gender Roles, Family Forms
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental purpose of this scientific work?
The work investigates the tendencies and development of families in Germany since the year 2000, analyzing historical origins and current perspectives on family forms.
What are the central thematic fields covered in the text?
The text focuses on historical family representation, legal distinctions between marriage and family, functional aspects of the family, and contemporary shifts in family forms.
What is the primary research goal or question?
The study aims to evaluate transformations in family life and test hypotheses regarding the legal equality of marriage and family as well as the impact of sexual orientation on new family forms since 2000.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The work utilizes a historical-analytical approach, reviewing literature from the Middle Ages to the present to trace the evolution of sociological and political concepts surrounding the family.
What topics are discussed in the main body of the document?
The main body covers diachronic changes from the Middle Ages through the 20th century, the functional theory of the family, and the impact of current global crises on familial stability.
How are the key concepts of the work defined?
The document relies on academic literature and historical analysis to define family as an evolving social system and marriage as a structurally different, legally regulated union.
How did the perception of childhood change from the Middle Ages to modernity?
In the Middle Ages, childhood was short and children were viewed as small workers; by the modern era, childhood was "discovered" as an independent phase of life protected by schooling and emotional attention.
In what ways does the author argue that global change impacts family structures?
Global changes such as climate-induced migration, work-from-home pressures during the pandemic, and digital communication tools are identified as factors that both stress and redefine contemporary parent-child and partner relationships.
- Citation du texte
- Anonym (Auteur), 2021, Marriage and family since the year 2000. Trends, developments and prospects, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1464337
