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Families are the oldest expression of human relationship and have been continually adapting to change, human development and progress - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 5 - 2011
Question 5
Families are the oldest expression of human relationship and have been continually adapting to change, human development and progress. (a) Define the term family an... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Families are the oldest expression of human relationship and have been continually adapting to change, human development and progress - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 5 - 2011
Step 1
Define the term family and explain what is understood by the universality of the family.
Answer
The term 'family' can be defined as a group of individuals related to each other by blood, marriage, or adoption. It acts as the basic unit of society, serving as a support system for its members and transmitting values from one generation to the next. Furthermore, the 'Universal Declaration of Human Rights' emphasizes the importance of family, highlighting it as a fundamental unit of society.
The universality of the family signifies that the family structure exists in all societies. While the form of family may vary—such as nuclear families, extended families, or single-parent families—the concept holds universally. Every culture recognizes the essential role of family in fostering relationships and supports the idea that families are vital for social stability and individual upbringing.
Step 2
Discuss the roles and responsibilities of family members and explain how these roles change through the life cycle of the family.
Answer
Family members play distinct roles throughout different stages of the family life cycle, which includes childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age.
Children's Roles and Responsibilities
Children generally respect and listen to their parents or guardians. They are influenced by their surroundings and are encouraged to behave in socially acceptable manners. As they grow, children learn to acquire knowledge informally and begin to develop independence.
Adolescents
During adolescence, young individuals take on additional responsibilities, such as babysitting younger siblings. They increasingly contribute to household decision-making and may help with family tasks. The self-identity formation during this stage often shifts young members’ roles from dependency to contributing participants in family dynamics.
Parents' Roles and Responsibilities
Parents, representing the mother and father or guardians, hold critical responsibilities in nurturing and socializing children. They are involved in educational matters, financial support, and caring for each other while also preparing to care for their elderly parents as the family matures.
Grandparents' Roles and Responsibilities
Grandparents often play a supportive role for both their children and grandchildren. As modern families evolve, grandparents can take on caregiving responsibilities and provide wisdom gained from experience, contributing to the family’s emotional and financial stability.
Step 3
Give an account of four factors that enable older people to maintain their independence.
Answer
Several factors aid older individuals in maintaining their independence:
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Social Welfare Payment and Medical Care: Financial assistance and medical care play a crucial role in allowing elderly individuals to sustain their health and well-being within the family. Such support often alleviates financial burdens and ensures access to necessary healthcare services.
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Community Engagement: Engaging in community activities helps delay the onset of feelings of isolation and loneliness. Staying connected with others can enhance their mental health and support networks.
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Physical Health and Rehabilitation: Programs that encourage physical activity and rehabilitation can help elderly individuals maintain their mobility and overall health, enabling them to live independently as long as possible.
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Nutrition and Diet: Ensuring that elderly individuals receive the right nutrients is vital. Eating well-balanced meals helps improve health outcomes and can prevent dependency by enabling them to live alone longer.