Social Change and the Family 1 © PDST Home Economics

The Impact of Social and Economic Change on Family Life, to Include: 2

1. The Change in Settlement Patterns from Rural to Urban More people living in towns and cities than in the Past.  Reasons why this is so? 3

2. Reduced Working Hours and Increase in Leisure Time  Shorter working hours/shifts = more leisure time (time not working for money)?  Trade unions  Legislation  Job-sharing, part-time work (women?) Impact on Family Life  Parents more quality time to spend with children.  More leisure pursuits – make a list.  Emphasis on fitness and health.  Mental health 4

3. Improvement in Provision of Education  More access to education for all pre-school, second level, third level and second chance education.  Free education?  School transport systems  Grants 5

4. Improvements in Social Welfare  State provides pensions, allowances and benefits.  Take some stress from families who are retired, disabled, unemployed or widowed.  Old age pensions, living alone allowances, benefits like free electricity can prevent poverty. 6

5. Changing Attitudes to Marriage  Traditional view: marry young & commit for life.  Decreasing influence of church.  Women more educated, own careers less likely to settle down to rear children.  Marital breakdown more socially acceptable than in the past.  Single parents and blended families more common.  Marriage often postponed as couples live together first.  Roles less defined – women not expected to stay at home and look after the children. 7

6. Legislation on Equal Pay and Employment Opportunities  The Employment Equality Act states that both men and women are entitled to equal pay for equal work. A job should be advertised so that it is open to both sexes. 8