Abstract:

The family is considered to be a social system, a social group that logically passes through its own development regarding the changes of social conditions. The family´s effect reflects - either directly or indirectly – the state and possibilities of the society though least of all social institutions it underlies the direct guidance of the society. The life of families does not change often or fast. It is based on customs and habits, it is subordinated to values and norms which are accepted in a certain society, it tends to make self-reproduction rather than transformation.
The institution of the family is considered to be maybe the most stable creation of our civilisation. It has significantly changed since the end of the First World War and is still developing as critical studies of the family show. It does not change marginally but in its most essential nature. Despite the changes that have influenced the family during its history we may say that the family in the whole Europe is not in its crises but it is being modified. These modifications reflect social changes and changes within the field of value structures.
The contemporary society influences the family in a significant way. Thanks to the rapid and intense development of the science and technology as well as consumer life, the family is transforming into a post-modern one with new aspects, nevertheless with the full ongoing responsibility for upbringing children. The family is influenced to a great extend by the post-modern society´s tolerance, openness but also loss of some values and their relativity. In the post-modern world, it is “a reflection to the society which cannot solve its crucial issues and does not satisfy the human´s needs despite its high economic development, high level of information and communication technologies, wealth and consumption” (Kudláčová, B., 2007, p. 166). That is why it is natural that the family gains such a status in which its perspectives are not very clear and often get into a conflict and disagreement with various opinions and the reality.
A post-modern family is typical for its frequent break-downs, liberation of mutual relationships (as a result of partners´ irresponsibility) and doubting over the importance of the marriage and family. However, despite the mentioned facts we agree with the opinion that it is not a family crisis but it is more its process of adaptation – often in very difficult and complicated conditions. It is shown in the ability of the family to resist various types of pressure from the outside world. The majority of people still keep in mind that the family gives us a chance for happiness and a place to be ourselves in spite of all the changes.
For children, the family represents a certain type of environment where they could find support, safety and security – it is the basic background for them. A child is a product of a family and it is reflected in his/her features, behaviour and values. The values that a child receives in a family will probably determine his/her behaviour in the future. Family values among the members of a family are based on the relationship of affinity and touch mostly feelings, emotions and interests established on mutual respect of people living in a family.

Keywords:

Family, upbringing, values, family conditions, family background, child.