FUTURE OF THE FAMILY SYSTEM INTRODUCTION Changes is something inevitable and the world is constantly changing. The truth is, as the world changes, the family also changes with it. It is safe to assume that family life will take a different course by the time you have children of your own. This will change largely influence by technology and social changes.

TECHNOLOGY There are tremendous changes from the past present which were brought about by recent technology advances. People will continue to invent gadgets and equipment and they will affect the family system in the future. Let us look at some possible inventions that may affect changes in the family structure.

Solar and nuclear energy may gain acceptance and maybe used as a cheap source of light for home. New gadgets for home which reduce preparation and cooking time, and robots that prepare meals and do other household chores now exist. All these invention will allow family members more time with one another and have more time to discover and develop their interest Technological advancement has made space exploration possible. In the future, a vacation on the moon or Mars may become a common place for the family activities. The computer which is become more powerful may become an ordinary gadgets in every home, an indispensable equipment foe school-age family members, enabling them to attend school in the comport of their home.

Space-age technology may also enable couples to choose the sex of their children, to produce a carbon copy of themselves, and to choose the most convenient time for the baby to be born. These technological advancements are already near possibilities. THE DANGERS OF MODERNIZATION Modernization brings about new ways to doing things, more free time for family members to do other things, less diseases, and a wide range for other possibilities that may make family life easier and better.

However, modernization can also be the source of new danger. Ecological imbalance, noise, pollution, health hazards in the form of pills, additives and preservatives in food that pose danger to the health. All these would definitely make you think twice whether to work for modernization or against it.

THE WORLD OF WORK Because of advance technology, more work is done faster, easier and better. As we move towards the year 2023, a better future is seen. At present, women work outside of he homes. In the future, there will be more joining world of work. In the same manner, more men will realize the importance of share responsibilities in the home.

Educating children as one important function of the family is becoming more and more the responsibility of the school alone. Younger school-age is becoming more popular. In the future, hiring outside help to rear infants might become the norm. PREPARIN FOR THE FUTURE How do we prepare foe these various possible changes in the future? What type of training is necessary so that coping will e easier and less painful.

Today is the best time to prepare for the “what might be’s” of the future and think about how would you like your family to be. Where would you like to live? What would you be doing? The various changes that are happening very fast may make it harder for you to answer these questions, far harder when your parents were in the same situation. A careful planning at an time will help. According to J. Rose Eshelman, author of the book The Family, An Introduction, changes that take place and will take place in the community and in the family are not always pleasing or regrettable, good or bad, constructive or destructive. Whether or not these changes will be welcomed or rejected will depend largely on the persons orientation and experience. The group he/she belongs to and his/her value system.