Can the Family Survive? Discussion Paper Number 11.

The Australian 1981 Census results show that the coventional nuclear family is still by far the most prominent family form in Australia. However, since the first family statistics were collected in 1966, other family forms and nonfamily living arrangements have been increasing. This paper examines changes in factors determining family structure and discusses the changing nature of Australian families. After a brief discussion of precursors of change (such as increased education for girls, removal of restrictions on the employment of women, the development of birth control devices, rising divorce rates, and increased individualism), marriage in the 1970's and 1980's is discussed. Topics also receiving attention are the decline in fertility from 1971 to 1981 and the increase in divorces in the 1970's. Concluding remarks suggest that, while marriage and family are losing their significance in the public sphere, they are taking on a far greater relevance in the private realm. In addition, it is asserted that the real needs of people are not met or even recognized by those who cry that the family is disappearing or by those who advocate that it should disappear. (RH)