Impact of change on families and communities

Family and Community Wellbeing

Change can impact both positively and negatively on families and communities. When dealing with change, planning should be a priority. Government and community sectors often refer to demographic data in their planning. This data can indicate;

change in population due to births, marriages and deaths
numbers in the population due to age, gender, marital status, family structure, ethnicity or home location
levels of education
patterns of work, types of occupation, levels of income
statistics on immigration and its effect on economic conditions

These demographic trends are particularly significant for the wellbeing of communities experiencing change if they are to;

monitor changes in community needs and the extent to which existing services meet these needs
advocate for additional services that will provide for growing needs
implement strategic planning to meet long-term goals that will benefit the whole community

Families are likely to review their personal values, individual goals and standards when changes occur. Resources will need to be identified and communication between members must be clear to ensure the family can achieve wellbeing.

The actual impact of change upon individuals and the community will depend upon the nature of the change

Impact of change

Roles individuals adopt

The circumstances that cause family members roles to change can also determine whether the roles individuals adopt are temporary or permanent. Responsibilities may be taken on according to individual suitability rather than on traditional stereotyping.

The roles individuals adopt during times of change within communities will focus on the best outcomes to ensure satisfaction of specific needs, building relationships and promoting wellbeing.

Environmental

Environmental change can occur over a short period and are expected to be cyclic e.g. seasonal variations in temperature or rainfall. Responses may also be planned by local governments or community groups, to reduce the impact of environmental damage upon families and communities e.g. RFS back burning.

Unexpected environmental events, such as cyclones, floods and fires, can cause trauma, emotional shock, distress, and suffering for members of a community and their families. Death or serious injury may also result, along with damage to the natural environment, housing, business and community facilities.

These events can be life-changing due to their impact on individual, family and community wellbeing.

Legislation

Laws and regulations form a framework for protecting public health, safety and morals and enhancing the general welfare of the population

Technology

When families and communities are experiencing change Technology is able to perform various functions. It is possible to enhance wellbeing by;

connecting individuals snd communities
providing services
enabling procedures, systems or techniques to take place
providing access to learning and education

Activity:

CASE STUDY

Bianca and Joel married two years ago and have been renting a one-bedroom apartment since then. They have been trying to save for a deposit to buy their own place, but limited wage growth in Australia in recent years combined with increasing housing costs means their progress has been slow. After discussing their situation with Joel’s family, his parents suggested that Bianca and Joel move in with them so that they can save by not having to pay rent. Joel’s parents still live in the original four bedroom home where Joel and his two sisters grew up, so there is plenty of room for the four of them to live comfortably. Bianca and Joel are grateful for the opportunity and are looking forward to moving in next month. They plan to stay with Joel’s parents for a year before purchasing their first home together.

Outline the nature of change experienced by Bianca and Joel.
Describe the potential positive and negative impacts of the change on the wellbeing of each family member.
How might the change impact the roles individuals adopt in this family?
Discuss the role of legislation and other government interventions in bringing about this change for Bianca and Joel.
How could the family use technology to assist them in managing their change?

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