Everyday life of Contemporary Family: Practices and Risks in Conditions of Changing Society (Kharkiv case)

Abstract

The article is based on the results of an empirical sociological study commissioned by the Department of Family, Youth and Sports of Kharkiv City Council and conducted by specialists of the Sociological Department V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University in May-July 2020. Everyday practices of contemporary Kharkiv families as well as the risks they face in an exponentially changing society are analyzed in the article. Common and different in the implementation of these practices and the manifestations of risks in three types of families: ordinary, large and families in difficult life circumstances is characterized. Emphasis is made on intra-family relationships, including the division of family responsibilities; the family psychological climate, the role of the oldest generation in its improvement/ deterioration; the causes of family conflicts that occur both between spouses and between parents and children; leisure practices, family holidays and traditions; family problems and the role in their solving both the family itself and local and state authorities. It is emphasized that, despite such negative external factors as the COVID-19 pandemic, distance learning, permanent economic and political crises, affected financial conditions of Kharkiv families, their moods, psychological well-being, intra-family relations haven’t been worsened, and in some cases even have been improved, become more trusting. It is noted that among the problems of contemporary families, in addition to financial, the most painful is the risk of spreading adolescents' Internet addiction, their fascination with being in virtual reality. It is concluded that the solution of this, as well as many other family problems, is possible both with the mobilization of own resources of all family members, and through the implementation of a set of special measures on the national level. Recommendations and proposals for improving the work of local authorities taking care of family issues are formulated. The main directions of further scientific, including interdisciplinary research of everyday practices and risks of Kharkiv families are mentioned, in particular the influence of children distance learning on family relations.