Social change and the family Elective : - Social Studies

Many social and economic changes have occurred in Ireland in the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. These changes have had an impact on family life in the following ways;- Change in settlement patterns. Reduced working hours. Improvements in education. Improvements in Education.

Change in settlement patterns from rural to urban In the early part of the twentieth century the majority of the population lived in rural areas (country). During the course of the century there was a gradual movement towards urban (town) areas, so that at the beginning of the twenty-first century most people reside in urban areas.

Factors that brought about the move from rural to urban Technology has made farming a less labour intensive activity. Fewer workers are needed on the land so they must earn their living elsewhere prompting a move to seek employment. Industry and manufacturing were concentrated in urban areas so people moved to towns and cities to have more access to employment. Nowadays urban areas offer better employment opportunities.

Factors that brought about the move from rural to urban Urban areas generally offer more educational opportunities. There is usually a wider choice of schools at both primary and secondary level. Urban life can be seen as an attractive way of life with many services and a range of amenities within easy access. Essential services such as hospitals and fire stations are also relatively nearby.

How these changes impact of family life in RURAL area Urbanisation leads to population imbalance, rural depopulation and a sense of isolation for the chiefly elderly population who remain behind. Services such as post offices and banks, schools and transport services are cut back. Fewer amenities are available so that social life declines. Less government funding is put into developing and maintaining rural infrastructure and transport systems.

How these changes impact of family life in URBAN area Services and amenities become concentrated in urban areas. Entertainment and leisure facilities are more accessible. The concentration of population leads to air and noise pollution and traffic congestion. Educational and health services become inadequate due to rapid population growth. Employment opportunities eventually decline due to overpopulation leading to unemployment black spots and subsequent social problems.

There has been a dramatic movement of people from rural to urban areas in Ireland in recent years. Discuss the reasons why a higher proportion of the Irish population is now living in urban areas. (12) Discuss the impact of these changes in settlement patterns on family life in Rural areas Urban areas. (18)

2. Reduced working hours & more leisure time. In the past, working hours were long and there were few opportunities for leisure. The change to shorter working hours and increased leisure time occurred due to: v          The development of the trade union movement, which seeks to improve working conditions including, reduced working hours. v          Irish and European legislation governs maximum working hours for various occupations and for under 18’s. Any extra work is viewed as overtime and must be paid accordingly.

v          Legislation governs maximum holidays and paid leave such as maternity and sick leave. Parental leave is also a legal entitlement for parents. v          Parents who see the value of spending leisure time with children may opt to reduce working hours by choosing to job share, work part-time or avail of flexi-time. entitlement for parents. v          The growth in the leisure industry indicates a greater appreciation of the benefits of leisure in reducing work-related stress.

Impact of reduced working hours on family life Parents should have more quality time to spend with children. Leisure pursuits, such as cycling or hill-walking, can be pursued as a family. Parents are freer to attend sports days, matches, concerts and other events which are important in their children’s lives. Participation in active leisure pursuits improves health and the fitness level of the whole family and helps to reduce the incident of obesity. Mental health benefits as sports and hobbies help to ease stress and depression.

3.Improvements in Education In the early 1900s few children progressed beyond primary schooling, and educational opportunities particularly for girls were limited. Second-level education was not freely available but was supplied by a small number of fee-paying schools. Only a very small minority progressed to third level. A number of measures greatly improved the education system and made it more accessible to all.

These measures included: v          “Free” Education was introduced in the late 1967. v          Government investment in school buildings, equipment, staffing and running costs. v          Introduction and development of school transport systems particularly in rural areas. v          The introduction of a range of courses at second level to accommodate a variety of ability levels. (L.C.A., L.C.V.P) v          State financial assistance such as means-tested grants for university students and the elimination of third-level fees. L.C.V.P) v          Adult and second chance education encouraged in government policy.

Impact of improvements in education on family life Even though big changes have occurred in the Irish Education system, the family still remains the primary educators. Improvements in resources and special needs education have done some way towards easing the burden for families of children with learning difficulties or mental/physical disabilities.

Irish children have increasing opportunities to progress to third level, a situation most families have to plan for in advance so that they are financially prepared to support children in education on a long-term basis. The Education system allows the opportunity for parents to avail of second chance education, which has an impact on family life.

4. Improvements in the provision of Social Welfare Before the introduction of a social welfare system members of the immediate and extended family cared for each other and protected vulnerable members. Today, the state has taken over much of this protective role by the provision of pensions, allowances and benefits.

Impact of improvements in of Social Welfare on family life The family unit feels less responsibility for the retired, disabled, unemployed or widowed since the introduction of social welfare. The family would appear to be adapting a less caring attitude towards vulnerable members. Child benefit has helped to reduce the incidents of child poverty. Families dependent on one parent can receive state assistance, which can have a huge impact on family life. Families on low incomes can avail of social welfare in the form of family income supplement.