Lecture 4 Summary (Family), Runaway World by Anthony Giddens

The lecture points light at family values and relationships and how they are rapidly changing on a global scale. Some countries don’t debate about sexual equality, the regulation of sexuality and the future of family because their authoritarian governments repress them. In the past many countries declared women were property of their husbands or fathers and children weren’t recognized as individuals but respected for their economic contribution. Now people have higher standards of how to nurture and protect a child but pose a risk of being a financial burden rather than a benefit. Contraception was also non-existent making sex result in childbirth and sexual promiscuity was linked with masculinity and defaming of a women’s reputation.

Homosexuality has been tolerated or openly approved of more than it has been outlawed despite the West who looks down upon it. Sexuality as a whole however is no longer dominated by heterosexuality. Gays have explored new dynamics of relations and show many parallels in regards to heterosexual relationships.

In the past, the world use to follow an economic model of family, resulting in marriages arranged by parents for economic benefits. But by the late 19th century the economic contract has been replaced with the idea of romantic love. However, now only few people follow a traditional family model. It is hard to find both parents living together especially with children from the marriage, with the woman as full-time housewife and husband as a breadwinner. Even one-third of births are happening out of wedlock leading to potentially dysfunctional families. Furthermore, people living alone and women who declare they have no intention of having children also continues to increase despite marriage still remaining popular. The essence of marriage is changing from about marriage and the family to coupling, uncoupling and stability/commitment.

The lecture lastly links a good relationship to a democracy. An wonderful relationship consists of equals (rights and obligations), communication, trust, emotional connection and commitment. Both parties should want what is best for each other while understand the others point of view. Nothing should be hidden; no violence or force should be used. Children should be disciplined but able to answer back. As well, sexual equality is also crucial to happiness and fulfillment. This way, quality of life will be improved. Unfortunately, the new transformation of family may seem problematic but most people don’t want to go back to the traditional style of family.

Link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/events/reith_99/week4/week4.htm