The Family as an Event-Based Space for the Individual

Abstract

This article analyses the family as a multifaceted phenomenon that defines the nature of society and is a crucial part of each individual’s life. Drawing on centuries of scientific discourse, the author examines the family using three approaches: the ontological approach, which views the family as an objective form of social consciousness; the axiological approach, which treats the family as a value phenomenon; and the anthropological approach, which considers the family to be the core of personal development and meaning generation. Drawing on a number of modern scientific, theoretical and sociological studies, as well as statistical data, the author concludes that the transformational processes observed over many decades have brought about significant changes in family development. The family is currently experiencing a profound structural and functional crisis. From the author’s perspective, the modernization of the Russian family model from traditional to “partnership” necessitates paying special attention to interpersonal relationships. The already ingrained radical changes have shifted the emphasis from the family as an indivisible structural unit of society to the individual and the flexibility of family roles, with an increasing focus on accepting the individual’s internal factors such as feelings, needs, desires and life attitudes, which require serious scientific study.