Oriental Studies (Jun 2018)
The Tuvan Family and its Functions. Traditions and Innovations
Abstract
The article aims to discover and analyze the changes which have taken place in the domestic life of Tuvans over the past century, with special emphasis laid on the present times. The paper deals with actual changes that reflect the overall situation and transformations in the cognitive sphere (views, attitudes and values). The analysis of the problem is based on a number of studies by preceding researchers, corresponding sociological, demographic data and field materials of the author.The family traditionally holds a high position in the social values framework of the Tuvan community and has always been a key value of the nation. However, the decline in demographic rates taking place in the Republic of Tuva indicates changes in family-marital relationships in particular and the family as such in general.Nowadays, the modern type of family is more typical of urban population while country dwellers, some Tozhu Tuvans and the Dukha (Tsaatan) people in Mongolia prefer the traditional one. Moreover, the last three groups demonstrate their commitment to the traditional way of life and values which undergo intensive transformation in towns and urban-type settlements. The mentioned process causes, e. g., modification of family functions or even disappearance of some of them and emergence of new ones.On the whole, it is hard to make any conclusions about whatsoever consequences (positive or negative) of the changes within the modern Tuvan society. This actually resembles a double-edged sword which could be well illustrated by the following example. A powerful incentive to the above-mentioned transformation was given by the growth of women’s social activities. It caused changes in relationships between husband and wife, redistribution of their duties in the family. Certainly, this fact may be considered as a very positive social achievement, especially for women themselves. But, on the other hand, new roles and positions entailed changes in their views and attitudes towards marriage, career, childbearing, etc. As a result, there are more family conflicts and less family solidarity.Present-day Tuvan families face the same problems as those from other regions of Russia: contradiction between the needs and actual income of family members, the necessity to improve financial situation, the growing number of divorces and single parent families, etc.
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