A recent study (I link it here) conducted at the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research by Diego Alburez-Gutierrez, Ivan Williams e Hal Caswell, revealed a revolutionary future for family structures. Which? A 35% drop in the number of relatives by 2100 and a significant change in their composition.
Relatives in vertical decline
As mentioned, the 35st century will witness a radical transformation in the way we understand the family. According to the data collected, a decrease of more than XNUMX% in the number of relatives of an individual is expected. This change reflects a demographic reality in which fertility declines and life expectancy increases.
In a world where extended families were once the core of society, we now face a reality where direct kinship ties will take over. In 1950, a 65-year-old woman had on average 41 living relatives. By 2095, a woman of the same age will be on average only 25 living relatives.
Old and new roles in the family
As the number of cousins, grandchildren and great-grandchildren declines, we will see a significant increase of grandparents and great-grandparents. This evolution of family roles raises relevant questions regarding intergenerational care and support within the family. Furthermore, the growing presence of elderly figures within the family unit poses unique challenges and opportunities for contemporary society.
Changing family structures will also directly impact informal support systems. In many cultures, relatives constitute a crucial network of support and care. However, as the number of relatives decreases and the average age increases, these systems may no longer be as sustainable as they were in the past. It therefore becomes essential that societies review and strengthen their “external” social and health support systems.
The “extended” family at the end of the century: investing in social support systems
Faced with these changes, the need emerges to invest in social support systems that guarantee the well-being of individuals at all ages. Currently, a large portion of the world's population does not have access to developed social support systems. For many people, family ties remain a crucial source of support and assistance.
This transition in family structure is not just a demographic issue, but a change that will affect economic, social and cultural aspects of daily life. This is a challenge that not only concerns the North of the world, but also the South, where the changes could have even more pronounced impacts.
Policymakers globally will need to address and adapt to these new realities, ensuring that support structures are able to cope with these changes. It is critical that we prepare for a future in which traditional definitions of family and kinship will be redefined, bringing with it new challenges and opportunities.
