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Families experience change as a natural aspect of their growth and maturity, however, the nature of the change will influence the type and intensity of modifications required for the continual functioning of the family.
Change can be classified according to length of time, the cause of the change and whether the change was expected or not.
Internal Change
Internal Change
Change that happens within the group. May be in size, structure or role allocation. Often it depends on the decision-making of families
In Families
Marriage
Divorce
Birth of a child
Adoption
Change of address
In Communities
Marriage
Divorce
Birth of a child
Adoption
Change of address
External Change
External Change
A change in the wider community that has influenced the functioning of a family
In Families
Economic change - reduced economic activity can lead to unemployment
Legal change - maternity leave entitlements, Family Law Act parenting orders
Social change - delayed marriage ages, greater acceptance of same sex relationships and marriage
Technological change - smart phones and communication
Demographic change - improved public health has increased life expectancy
Environmental change - natural disasters
In Communities
Economic change - reduced economic activity can lead to unemployment
Legal change - maternity leave entitlements, Family Law Act parenting orders
Social change - delayed marriage ages, greater acceptance of same sex relationships and marriage
Technological change - smart phones and communication
Demographic change - improved public health has increased life expectancy
Environmental change - natural disasters
Planned Change
Planned Change
A change that occurs with prior knowledge. Aspects of the decision-making process have occurred prior to the implementation of a change
In Families
Retirement
Marriage
Adult children or aged parents moving in
Child leaving home to attend university
Re-partnering
In Communities
Population growth or reduction can influence the diversity of services available in the communities (e.g. medical centres, leisure centres)
Unplanned Change
Unplanned Change
A change that is unexpected, so a response to the change cannot be prepared in advance
In Families
Death of a spouse or family member
Illness or injury
Homelessness
Unplanned pregnancy
Unemployment
In Communities
Natural environmental disasters
Floods
Droughts
Fire
Cyclones
Unnatural environmental disasters
Gas explosions
Bombings
Air, food, water contamination
Temporary Change
Temporary Change
A change that lasts for an unspecified period of time. Members can see a possible return to routine. Such change can last for a couple of days to a number of years
In Families
Treatable illness such as chickenpox or a broken leg
A young adult moving back home to save money
In Communities
Seasonal unemployment
Road detours due to construction
Permanent Change
Permanent Change
A change that lasts forever
In Families
Divorce or death of a family member
Parenthood
A serious injury, such as paraplegia
In Communities
New service such as a swimming pool
Drought
Infrastructure change such as a new motorway
Activity:
Complete the Nature of change worksheet below by;
1. Matching the 'nature of change' to its correct definition
2. For each of the examples of change, identify whether it is a change within families or communities, identify the nature of the change and how the change could impact on wellbeing.
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