Exploring Canadian Families: Sociology, History, and Rites of Passage

This essay explores the dynamic and diverse nature of Canadian families within a sociological context, examining their historical evolution, parenting values, and the significance of rites of passage. It highlights the adaptability of families in response to cultural, social, environmental, and economic forces, emphasizing the role of public initiatives in supporting families through various legislations. The essay discusses the historical patterns of Canadian families before European contact, the individualistic focus on children within Canadian communities, and the importance of education as a rite of passage. Furthermore, it touches on children's participation in household labor, the nature of parent-child relationships, and the average family size in Canada, providing a comprehensive overview of the key factors shaping family life in the country. Desklib provides access to this essay and many other resources for students.

Running head: SOCIOLOGY 0
SOCIOLOGY
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SOCIOLOGY 1
Families in Canada
Family represents the most adaptable institution within the society. It provides a basis that is
always responding to the cultural, social, environmental and economic forces that play a role in
restructuring the context in which people work and live. The structure and organization of
families has kept evolving over the years. ("Fast Facts: Rite of Passage", 2019). Several public
initiatives have been set up to provide support to families through caregiving, parental,
maternity, adoption, seniority protection as well as nurturing job legislations. Canadian families
have therefore become dynamic, complex and more diverse.
Historical families
Canadian family before the coming of the Europeans had some highly varying pattern. Several
communities and language groups existed as hunting bands whereas others existed in complex
institutions of hunting, fishing and agriculture. The structures of families often reflected the
different conditions of the economy. There was division of labor within different age sets and
gender. Men and women had varying responsibilities within different communities ("Parenting
in Canada", 2019).
Parenting values in children
Within Canadian communities, there exist an individualistic focus that is largely based on
children. Parents have the responsibility of supporting and raising their kids until they attain the
adult age, usually 18 years. After that age, they are advised to move out mostly to tertiary
schools and also to acquire part-time activities that can bring income. The children also taught to
have respect for themselves right at a tender age. ("Families and Work in Canada", 2019).
Parents equally have the responsibility to listen to the thoughts and ideas of their children and
equally negotiate with them.

SOCIOLOGY 2
Rites of passage
Rites of passage basically represent a stage where an individual graduates from one group to
another. Children rite of passage begins at childbirth. The main rite of passage for barely all
children in Canada within this current age is the right to acquire education. All children are
required to go through this stage.
Participation of children in education
The Canadian government is always on the forefront in ensuring all children have access to
education. Children of all ages are therefore provided with the chance to acquire education.
Trough free participation, children are presented with the opportunity to express their views and
ideas freely and all the stakeholders need to therefore facilitate their participation.
Participation of children in labor
The participation of children in household labor is one of the latest adoptions in policy making.
Working children play a major role in the social and economic improvements. Parents and other
national organizations have been on the forefront in promoting the rights of children in
participation in communal activities. Children have been viewed as experts in their own life and
therefore present different perspectives and insights of doing things ("Canadian Museum of
Civilization", 2019).
Nature of parent-child relationship
Parents have the responsibility of availing all the needs of their children. The parents also need to
create an enabling environment that will promote a safer relationship with their children. Kids
have got different behaviors and the parents need to understand and know how to deal with each
one of them. They have to understand their expectations, feelings as well as the uniqueness of
each child.

SOCIOLOGY 3
Average family size
A typical Canadian family is mainly comprised of averagely 3 individuals. This figure is
generally not consistent over the years. There has also been a decline in the number of
households with children lower than 18 years. Housing has been termed as the highest cost factor
when bringing up children in Canada ("Average family size in the US 1960-2018 | Statista",
2019).

SOCIOLOGY 4
References
Fast Facts: Rite of Passage. (2019). Retrieved from
https://www.policyalternatives.ca/publications/commentary/fast-facts-rite-passage
Parenting in Canada. (2019). Retrieved from https://www.prepareforcanada.com/living/family-
and-children/parenting/#.XPOTlP5RXIU
Families and Work in Canada. (2019). Retrieved from https://vanierinstitute.ca/families-work-
canada/
Average family size in the US 1960-2018 | Statista. (2019). Retrieved from
https://www.statista.com/statistics/183657/average-size-of-a-family-in-the-us/
Canadian Museum of Civilization. (2019). Retrieved from
https://www.historymuseum.ca/confederationdress/womens-wear/rites-of-passage.php