The forms of families and local communities change with the times. It is important to understand these changes because they form the foundation supporting our lives.
Basic Knowledge
Before World War II, extended families in which grandparents, parents, and children lived together were common. After the war, nuclear families consisting of parents and children became central. In recent years, single-person households (people living alone) have rapidly increased and account for approximately 40% of all households.
Family life is also protected by law. Article 24 of the Constitution of Japan establishes individual dignity and the essential equality of the sexes. In local communities, connections among residents are formed through neighborhood associations, residents' associations, and volunteer activities.
Nuclear family (a family consisting only of a married couple, or a married couple and their unmarried children)
Single-person household (a household in which one person lives alone. Increasing in Japan)
Article 24 of the Constitution (establishes individual dignity and equality of the sexes in family relationships)
Gender-equal society (a society in which people can demonstrate their abilities regardless of gender)
Local community (connections in which local residents support one another)
Volunteer (an activity carried out voluntarily and without pay for society)
Further Study (Background・Significance)
The background to the increase in nuclear and single-person households includes urbanization, women's participation in society, and diversifying values. The division of roles within families is also changing. The Basic Act for a Gender-Equal Society (1999) aims to realize a society in which men and women can participate equally in society.
Meanwhile, the weakening of human relationships, called an isolated society, has become a problem in local communities. The roles of neighborhood associations・residents' associations・NPOs are being reconsidered to promote mutual assistance during disasters and prevent the isolation of older people. The spirit of mutual assistance has once again been emphasized following events such as the Great East Japan Earthquake.
- Nuclear family＝married couple alone or married couple and unmarried children
- Single-person households account for approximately 40% and are increasing
- Article 24 of the Constitution＝individual dignity and essential equality of the sexes
- Basic Act for a Gender-Equal Society(1999)
- Local community＝neighborhood associations・residents' associations・NPOs
- Balance among self-help・mutual assistance・public assistance
- Isolated society＝weakening of connections
Points to Note (Easily Confused)
① A nuclear family includes up to two generations of parents and children, while three generations living together form an extended family. ② A single-person household means living alone and is not a family. ③ Self-help means helping oneself, mutual assistance means help from local residents and acquaintances, and public assistance means government support. ④ Article 24 concerns the family, while Article 25 concerns the right to maintain the minimum standards of wholesome and cultured living; do not confuse them.
Practice
- Explain what a nuclear family is.
- What family principle is established in Article 24 of the Constitution?
- Of self-help・mutual assistance・public assistance, which refers to help among neighbors?