The Importance of Marriage and Family in the Narratives of Adult Children of Divorced Parents
The Importance of Marriage and Family in the Narratives of Adult Children of Divorced Parents

Summary/Abstract: We live in a world where all the beliefs, passed from one generation to another, all our values are being redefined. Notions of marriage and family also receive different meaning. Today, the term „marriage” extends its meaning, not limiting itself to the naming of „entangled” couples by legal or church law. It also refers to people who consider themselves to be linked with each other, not only by legal terms, people whose relationships are different on various levels from the traditionally understood marriage. However, for generations we have invariably associated the notion of family with love, support, warmth and place of meeting with people important and valuable to us, on who we can count on and expect some help when we need it. Such an importance given to the family was revealed in my interviews with the adult children of divorced parents. People involved in my research often stressed the great value they associate with this smallest social group. Statements about marriage and family seem to be firmly rooted in the past experiences, which is reflected in their convictions concerning the impermanence of marriage and family systems. On the other hand, one can notice an intense longing for what they could not experience in the past – a stable and happy family. I believe that in the context of the presented narrations one can conclude that the divorce of the parents as the critical life event is strongly written in the identity of „the children of divorce”. It highly influences their attitudes towards marriage, family and relationships in general.

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