Dynamika współczesnej rodzin
Dynamics of a Modern Family

Summary/Abstract: RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: The aim of the article is to present the dynamics of a family through determining macro- and micro‐social transformations. A family as a system is changing due to macro‐social transformations, but, to some extent, a family itself also initiates changes within the society. THE RESEARCH PROBLEM AND METHODS: The specific research problem seeks to answer the following question: what macro- and micro‐social transformations determine the modern family model. The discourse analysis was performed by analysing source literature. THE PROCESS OF ARGUMENTATION: The formulated objective of the article became the foundation for determining macro- and micro‐social transformations within a family. The article describes the characteristics of a traditional and a modern family on the basis of the discourse in source literature and the synthesis of the conducted empirical research. RESEARCH RESULTS: A family has been undergoing transformations under the influence of e.g. economy, biology, medicine, migrations, and feminisation. The observed consequences of this impact include intensified professional activity of women, increased consumer needs, later‐in‐life marriages, and an increased number of childless couples. Moreover, a different approach to bringing up children and its methods as well as handling conflicts have developed. CONCLUSIONS, INNOVATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Though a variety of its alternative forms exist, a modern family has maintained the traditional structure. However, an observed feature of families is their reconstruction by establishing new relationships. Members of the separated family and the newly established one maintain relations and help each other to bring up children. Values appreciated by teenagers in a family include: trust, mutual respect and tolerance. There is no visible specialisation within a family. Verticalization, i.e. a long life but in a family limited to a few relatives, has been determined as a characteristic feature of a family. An increase of intergenerational transfers grandparents‐grandchildren or grandchildren‐grandparents has been observed.

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