Marriage & Family System - Research Paper Example

The word ‘family’ varies within different contexts. According to sociologists, the word family refers to the most basic unit of society comprising of individuals bound by a shared history, ancestral lineage and similar customs, traditions, beliefs and values. Conversely, psychologists use a different approach to define the word family whereby, they place emphasis on the relationships formed between people and the strength of emotional bond formed between them. The biological approach used by biologist to define family centers on genetics, which analyzes similarities in individuals’ Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Biologists theorize that members of the same family have similarities in their DNA. In order to understand families, scholars analyze the family structure, which analyzes the number of family members and the specific social roles assigned to each family member. Family structures vary across the globe, as they are influenced by cultural differences. Discussed below is a comparison between family structures in Saudi Arabia and the United States of America. Family dynamics in the US The contemporary American family structure reflects liberal ideologies possessed by majority of the US citizens. Unlike past decades, the contemporary family structure is more complex and does not comprise of two adults of the opposite sex, and their children (biological or adopted). Current research findings reveal shifting trends in the demographics of the US family structure, which result from the high divorce rate, increased number of children born out-of wedlock, and acceptance of liberal ideologies such as different sexual orientations. Currently, there exists a variety of family structures in the US, which include traditional, gay family, single parent family, step-family and co-habiting family structures. The traditional family structure comprises of a married couple of the opposite sex and their dependents whereas, in the case of the single-family structure only one adult parent is responsible for meeting the needs of their dependent children. Conversely, the gay family structure comprises of two same-sex adult parents charged with the responsibility of raising their adopted or biological children. In the case of co-habiting family structures, the adult couple remain unmarried but live together and share the responsibilities of raising children born within the confines of such an arrangement. Of all these structures, the step-family structure is the most complicated. It comprises of two adult parents and the biological children of one of the spouses. However, in some step-families both spouses have children from their previous marriages (Hetherington & Elmore). In the US, fathers do not bare the sole responsibility of providing for the family. Moreover, female spouses do not take on the responsibilities of nurturing their children and managing households on their own. The fast paced economy transformed traditional gender based social roles. Since World War I, women in the US had no choice but to fill the vacant positions left by their male counterparts serving in the army. The rise of feminist ideologies, which sought to empower women through financial and social liberation also played a key role in transforming social roles within a family setting. Financially liberated female spouses rely very little on their male counterparts giving them an equal vote in the decision making process. Extreme feminists direct their efforts towards pursuing their careers; therefore, they are unable to commit to the social roles associated with marriage. However, when their maternal instincts emerge, these women choose alternative, non-conventional methods to bear children. They either adopt or consult fertility specialists equipped with the skills of genetically engineering conception. As a result, these women raise their children as single parents (Ellwood & Jencks). The US government respects the marriage institution by instituting laws aimed at benefiting married couples. Until recently, state benefits designated for married couples were only enjoyed by heterosexual couples. The federal government and some state governments such as the Maryland and California state governments recognize civil unions and accord married, homosexual couples similar privileges. However, not all institutions agree with the federal government’s move to recognize marriages between homosexuals. Religious institutions continue to oppose the acceptance of civil unions claiming that same-sex unions are immoral and deviate from what religious doctrines classify as normal, acceptable behavior. In addition, laws exist to protect spouses and children against physical, verbal and psychological abuse. Social workers cooperate with law enforcement agencies to monitor the abuse of children in the confines of their homes. In such situations, they implore the courts to revoke an abusive parent’s rights over the victimized child; who then joins the foster care program. Abused spouses can also file charges against their perpetrators whereby, a judge gets to decide whether the defendant is liable for civil punitive damages. The local law enforcement agencies also have a 24 hour hotline for the local population to report cases of violence. Divorce is a major problem affecting family dynamics in the US. Since 1960s, the divorce rate in the country continues to increase steadily causing major disruptions within the family. A major contributor to the high divorce rates is the implementation of no-fault divorces by the government. In the past, judges dissolved marriages when one spouse could present irrefutable proof of their partner’s infidelity, abuse, neglect or insanity. Today, judges grant divorces based on irreconcilable differences. Celebrities are famous for seeking no-fault divorces with some ending their marriages after 72 hours. Many parents remain oblivious to the negative effects divorces have on the psychological, emotional, and social well-being of their children. Wallerstein conducted a study in 2000 to investigate the adverse outcomes facing children entrenched in ugly divorces. He uncovered that majority of the children from divorced families suffered from maladjusted personalities, low academic achievement and frequent engagement in delinquent behaviors fueled by aggression (Hetherington & Elmore 65). Family Dynamics in Saudi Arabia Unlike the US, Saudi Arabia is a more conservative nation with traditions, practices, values and beliefs anchored in the Islamic religion. The family structure is patriarchal whereby, the father assumes the role of provider, protectors and ultimate decision maker. Female spouses play a more submissive role in Saudi Arabian marriages, as they are socialized from an early age to respect their husbands and desist from opposing the decisions made by their husbands (Long 35). Family structures in Saudi Arabia are either the traditional nuclear family structures, polygamous family structures or extended family structures. In the case of the nuclear family structure, two adult parents of the opposite sex are responsible for raising their children. Conversely, in polygamous family structures, the patriarch of the family assumes the responsibility of raising his children and his multiple wives. The Islamic Sharia law permits men to marry a maximum of four wives at any point in time (Johnson & Vriens). Finally, the extended family structure encompasses married couples raising their children in the company of their immediate relatives. The Saudi Arabian culture advocates for collectivism unlike the US culture, which hinges on individualism. The Sharia law outlines strict laws that govern the marriage institution. Firstly, the law forbids out of wed-lock births, as they hold an unmarried girl’s virtue in high regard. Young girls disrespect their father’s honor after her husband realizes that she is not a virgin while consummating the marriage. However, males are not held accountable to similar high standards, as the masculine culture views males as superior beings compared to their female counterparts. In addition, the Sharia law shuns homosexuality exposing any person found guilty of homosexual acts to harsh, corporal punishments such as life imprisonment or in extreme cases the death penalty. Finally, resolution of marital conflict such as physical or emotional abuse is a task designated to the Muslim elders and religious leaders known as “Imam”. More often than not, these arbitrators are able to resolve marital conflict before either party petitions a judge for a divorce (Long 40). Divorce is rare in Saudi Arabia; however, the law permits it under certain circumstances. Unlike in the US, presiding judges do not grant divorces instantly. The aggrieved party must present three “talaq” (request for divorce) to the judge before receiving an official confirmation pertaining to the dissolution of the marriage. Presentation of the three “talaq” either occurs simultaneously or each follows the other consecutively. After the presentation of three “talaq”, the law mandates that the female spouse must wait three months, a period referred to as “Iddat” before considering getting remarried. During this three month period, the ex-husband can direct his efforts towards making amends and seeking his ex-wife’s forgiveness. If his efforts prove futile, both parties can remarry provided they all concur with the other party’s decision (Long 39-40). The complicated process of procuring a divorce in Saudi Arabia decreased the divorce rate in the country compared to divorce rate in the US where judges grant divorces based on irreconcilable differences. Conclusion In conclusion, culture plays a pivotal role in molding family structures across the globe. In countries with more conservative cultures like Saudi Arabia, family structures are more stable and conventional comprising of two or more parents and their dependents. Single-parent families are rare, as culture condemns out-of wedlock births. In addition, gay families do not exist as the legislative directives render them illegal instituting harsh punishments for any individual accused of homosexuality. However, this is not the case in countries with liberal cultures such as the US. Diverse family structures exist in the US embraced by majority of the people in spite of religious or political constraints. Works Cited Long, David. Culture and Customs of Saudi Arabia. New York. Greenwood Press, 2005. Print. Read More