Family in a changing South Africa: structures, functions and the welfare of members

Abstract

The historical review of South African families reveals that the family has undergone significant transformations, resulting in a mosaic of family formations that have had an impact on family functions. Notwithstanding the importance of the family being one of the fundamental social units, however, there is limited data on how these families function in South Africa. This article analyses the change in family structures and community members' perspectives about how these structures and living arrangements of members contribute to family functioning and wellbeing of members, with a specific focus on Mpumalanga, South Africa. Literature searches, quantitative analyses of the 2002 and 2009 General Household Survey, and qualitative analysis obtained through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were used. The results confirmed that there is a disaggregation of families with young adults being heads of smaller families, while ageing parents are in charge of large multi-generational families. The role of the extended family has been diminished, and new forms of support such as churches and neighbours' networks have become more important. The critical role of inter-generational care was confirmed and also the disjuncture between generations attributed to erosion of family norms and values. The results of the study emphasised the importance of attending to a simultaneous and comprehensive family policy that addresses psychosocial and material support, when assessing family wellbeing.