Family Culture and Family Structure
Family Culture
Family is also very important to how a person develops because even within culture, a family forms its own unique culture, that is, its family culture. This family culture influences members of the family because the culture of a family teaches individuals how to handle conflict, listen, learn rules and communicate in general. All of these factors influence how a person behaves towards other family members and towards others in society and are based off what they are taught by their families.
Within each unique family culture there are also family rules which are the expectations of appropriate behavior and obligations from each family member. Although a larger culture may have an expectation that family members support each other, how the family culture goes about doing so may be unique. An example of this was shared by an intercultural communication partner, Rana Al’atobi, who shared that during a party her mother expects her to behave as a proper hostess towards all the guests, including strangers, even if it may seem uncomfortable. (Rana Al’atobi, personal communication, October 06th, 2012). This expectation of behaving as a proper hostess is a family rule that varies by family culture where mothers may have different expectations for how their daughters need to behave at a party. Family rules also vary based on how rigid these rules must be obeyed. Some families may have expectations for how their children need to behave but disobeying a certain rule may not be frowned upon. This depends on the family culture and the larger culture’s view of family structure and collectivism which will be discussed now.
Overall, the family culture has significant implications in how an individual behaves in society. Family culture influences how people can adapt to others and cultures that are different. Family culture also effects how family members handle conflict with other people and their listening skills. These various communication behaviors that are taught significantly affect how people behave in culture, so in cultures where everyone in a family reflects upon the family’s image it is important for members to be taught the appropriate ways of behaving.
Within each unique family culture there are also family rules which are the expectations of appropriate behavior and obligations from each family member. Although a larger culture may have an expectation that family members support each other, how the family culture goes about doing so may be unique. An example of this was shared by an intercultural communication partner, Rana Al’atobi, who shared that during a party her mother expects her to behave as a proper hostess towards all the guests, including strangers, even if it may seem uncomfortable. (Rana Al’atobi, personal communication, October 06th, 2012). This expectation of behaving as a proper hostess is a family rule that varies by family culture where mothers may have different expectations for how their daughters need to behave at a party. Family rules also vary based on how rigid these rules must be obeyed. Some families may have expectations for how their children need to behave but disobeying a certain rule may not be frowned upon. This depends on the family culture and the larger culture’s view of family structure and collectivism which will be discussed now.
Overall, the family culture has significant implications in how an individual behaves in society. Family culture influences how people can adapt to others and cultures that are different. Family culture also effects how family members handle conflict with other people and their listening skills. These various communication behaviors that are taught significantly affect how people behave in culture, so in cultures where everyone in a family reflects upon the family’s image it is important for members to be taught the appropriate ways of behaving.
Family Structure
Within the United States, the most common family structure used to be the nuclear structured family which simply consisted of two parents and their children. The nuclear family was primarily responsible for teaching their children the norms and expectations of society. However, the family unit has begun to change in the United States as many factors have changed since the middle of the twentieth century to include a greater variety of people. Along with step-children and parents from the increasing divorce rates, families have also begun to include older generations into the intimate setting of the home. Older generations, primarily grandparents, used to be not as involved in families day to day lives but they also had short life-expediency. With grandparents living longer and changing expectations of involvement in grandchildren’s lives, American families are more likely to have a closer relationship to more generations.
This change in many family structures in the United States could provide even more benefits than those simply within the family. This structure is actually more similar to the Saudi Arabian family model which includes multiple generations and aunts, uncles and cousins. For those traveling to Saudi Arabia it may now be less of a shock if invited to a celebration or a family gathering that includes a very large party of people because we may expect that more in the United States too. Along with that, for an American traveler staying with a host Saudi Arabian family, the constant presence of extended family members at the house may not be so overwhelming now as it was twenty or more years ago. This isn't to deny that there would be adjustments in family dynamics or family roles since every family in both the United States and Saudi Arabia is different. Next we will explore these differences within Saudi Arabian family life that may be an adjustment for Americans.
This model of the inter-generational family is comparable to the normal Saudi Arabian family. Even if a there is only the nuclear family living under one roof, the extended family is still extremely important. It is the norm for families to be bigger in size in the Middle East, with many children. On top of that, when children grow older and are married, there is still a strong desire to live near their parents in order to maintain a strong relationship. Children will still visit their parents as often as possible for pleasure or for advice. Family also grows when a couple marries, as the spouse’s family becomes their own family and just as important. This is one concept that may be difficult for Americans to understand because the term “in-laws” comes with some negative connotations.
This change in many family structures in the United States could provide even more benefits than those simply within the family. This structure is actually more similar to the Saudi Arabian family model which includes multiple generations and aunts, uncles and cousins. For those traveling to Saudi Arabia it may now be less of a shock if invited to a celebration or a family gathering that includes a very large party of people because we may expect that more in the United States too. Along with that, for an American traveler staying with a host Saudi Arabian family, the constant presence of extended family members at the house may not be so overwhelming now as it was twenty or more years ago. This isn't to deny that there would be adjustments in family dynamics or family roles since every family in both the United States and Saudi Arabia is different. Next we will explore these differences within Saudi Arabian family life that may be an adjustment for Americans.
This model of the inter-generational family is comparable to the normal Saudi Arabian family. Even if a there is only the nuclear family living under one roof, the extended family is still extremely important. It is the norm for families to be bigger in size in the Middle East, with many children. On top of that, when children grow older and are married, there is still a strong desire to live near their parents in order to maintain a strong relationship. Children will still visit their parents as often as possible for pleasure or for advice. Family also grows when a couple marries, as the spouse’s family becomes their own family and just as important. This is one concept that may be difficult for Americans to understand because the term “in-laws” comes with some negative connotations.