Profound changes in family structure

Nethali STRUYS

There have been profound changes in the family structure over the last 60 years. This can be attributed to various economic changes. There has been a shortage of caregivers for children, the elderly and the disabled within the family, due to the war and providers moving far from the family for employment.

This was stated at the consultative seminar on family policy which is to be introduced to Sri Lanka by the Social Services Ministry to help uplift family standards in the country.

A survey conducted by the National Institute of Social Development in 2008 has identified five types of vulnerable families, namely, those headed by females, families with disabled members, those with migrant workers, elderly members and low-income families.

The family policy aims at addressing the particular vulnerable families with special needs in the medium term.

Concepts such as family dissolution, disruption and intra-family violence, gender, poverty, child development and protection, disabilities and aging, neglect and abuse of children, elderly single and widowed women were used to identify special economic and social needs of families.

Using the above concepts, a list of 12 goals have been established in the medium term, which will be implemented through acts and activities that will be designed by respective agencies in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Services.

“The Family is the most basic and important unit of Society. Hence, the constitution of Sri Lanka ensures ‘the realization of by all citizens of an adequate standard of living for themselves and their families. Including adequate food, clothing and housing, the continuous improvement of living conditions and the full enjoyment of leisure and cultural opportunities” said Social Services Minister Felix Perera at the event.

]This survey has revealed a number of some glaring issues that can be found in Sri Lanka families lately. Due to these issues the whole country is in a vulnerable state. This situation is not only visible in Sri Lanka, but in the whole world resulting in instability of states and unstable families. Therefore Sri Lanka has taken measures to address this situation through a family policy.