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Marriage and families are recognised social structures - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 5 - 2022
Question 5
Marriage and families are recognised social structures. (a) Describe the legal obligations for marriage in Ireland. (b) Analyse how socio-economic factors have aff... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Marriage and families are recognised social structures - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 5 - 2022
Step 1
Describe the legal obligations for marriage in Ireland.
Answer
In Ireland, there are several legal obligations for marriage:
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Age Requirement: Both partners must be over 18 years of age to enter into marriage.
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Mental Capacity: Each partner must have the mental capacity to understand the nature of the marriage they are entering into. This means that if a partner is intoxicated, mentally impaired due to drugs or alcohol, or lacks mental capacity, they cannot legally marry.
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Notification: Couples must provide notice to the registry office for a civil marriage ceremony or a religious authority for a religious ceremony.
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Registered Venue: The venue where the marriage is to take place must be registered.
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Free to Marry: Both partners must be free to marry; neither can be currently married to someone else. They must be single, widowed, or divorced.
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Voluntary Consent: Both partners must freely consent to the marriage; neither can be coerced into the marriage.
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Registration: The marriage must be registered with the civil registry office after the ceremony is completed.
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Not Closely Related: Partners must not be closely related to each other, such as siblings or direct ancestors.
Step 2
Analyse how socio-economic factors have affected the changing roles of older family members in contemporary society.
Answer
Socio-economic factors have significantly influenced the roles of older family members:
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Changing Family Structures: There has been a shift from traditional family structures to more diverse arrangements. Older individuals are often essential in multi-generational households, taking on roles that support family cohesion.
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Financial Dependence: Many families face economic pressures, leading to older members relying on younger generations for financial support. Conversely, older family members often play a role in providing financial help through pensions or savings, influencing the dependency dynamics.
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Active Involvement: Older family members are more involved in childcare and family responsibilities, as younger parents often require assistance balancing work and family.
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Role Models: Grandparents often serve as positive role models for their grandchildren, imparting wisdom and values, which impacts family dynamics and cultural transmission.
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Longevity and Health: With advancements in healthcare, older generations are living longer and healthier lives. This longevity shifts societal perspectives on aging and allows older family members to take on active roles in society and family life.
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Cost of Care: Higher costs associated with elder care have led families to adapt how they support elderly family members, reinforcing the need for family caregiving or seeking community support.
Step 3
State why it is important to make a will and outline the procedure involved in making a will.
Answer
Making a will is crucial for several reasons:
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Peace of Mind: It ensures that one's wishes are carried out after death, providing peace of mind.
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Asset Distribution: It allows for the distribution of assets according to personal preferences, preventing disputes among family members.
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Reducing Tax Implications: Proper planning through a will can help reduce potential tax liabilities for heirs.
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Funeral and Burial Arrangements: A will can specify funeral preferences, alleviating the burden on family members.
Procedure for Making a Will:
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Choosing an Executor: Select a trusted person to execute the will.
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Listing Assets: Make a thorough inventory of all assets, including properties, money, and personal belongings.
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Naming Beneficiaries: Specify who will inherit your assets and in what proportions.
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Drafting the Will: This can be done with legal assistance or using templates to ensure all legal requirements are met.
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Signing the Will: It must be signed in the presence of at least two witnesses to validate it.
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Storing the Will: Keep it in a safe place, and inform the executor of its location to ensure it can be accessed when needed.