Suchergebnisse

One of the most significant changes in family structure is the formation of a couple: until a few decades ago this transition followed precise social norms (engagement, religious marriage, the birth of children), whilst today becoming a couple occurs in different ways. This paper illustrates the results of a cluster analysis of some couple patterns: currently married , separated/divorced, cohabiting, single, LAT. Findings are based on the 4th wave of the 2008 European Values Study involving 47 countries and focused on an Italian sample consisting of 1.519 individuals. The analysis highlights the complex relationship between some couple patterns and a number of factors, such as the importance and meaning of the family, work, religion, friends, marriage, motherhood and gender roles.

The subject of this essay is to verify empirically whether, and under which conditions, the work-family relationship -- as it is actually experienced in everyday life - can be considered "good" and turn the family into a resource for itself and society. This goal first requires framing such relationship within the identity process at a personal, couple, intergenerational and social level. Any form of reconciliation involves primarily a reflexive and dialogic process of the person and the couple: if decisions are shared within the family and connected with the possibility of relating to other subjects (primary and secondary networks), the family can be a source of wellbeing for its own members and for society.