The Effect of Family Structure and Functions on Intergenerational Behavior in Families in the City of Aligudarz

Abstract

Introduction: The family is the first social unit with many complexities. This study aimed to investigate the impact of family structure and functions on the intergenerational behavior in families in Aliguderz using the theories of Bourdieu, Mannheim, and Shelsky.Methods: The research method was a survey, and the data collection tool was a questionnaire. The statistical population of the research was all individuals over 18 in the city of Aliguderz. Three hundred and seventy-six people were selected as a sample using Cochran’s sampling with a simple random method. Cronbach’s alpha method was used to determine reliability, and the questionnaire has content validity. One-way analysis of variance and Pearson correlation test were used to check the hypotheses using SPSS-21 software.Results: Elderly individuals have more family functions. The variables of family functions, adherence to cultural values, family crisis management, and kinship relations are different among different generations. A relationship was observed between the variables of adherence to cultural values, family crisis management, family cohesion, and the variable of family functions. With the increase of these variables, the amount of family functions (including the emotional functions of the family and problem-solving and conflict-resolution functions) also increases.Conclusion: Considering the differences in different generations in the power structure and family functions in the city of Aliguderz, it is necessary to pay attention to the factors affecting the family functions to improve the current situation by policymakers.

Keywords

• crisis intervention
• family characteristics
• family structure
• generation
• social values