1. Objectifs

Intentions :
- « The primary goal of this chapter is to highlight the ideological origins of the diverse definitions of the family used in Quebec today. But first, to place the subject within a broader context, I will begin with a brief history of the Quebec family over the course of the century. » (p.164)
- « This study will attempt to shed new light on the concept of family by emphasizing not only the many diverse forms of the family unit, but also the ways in which individuals and groups define the family and perceive its place and role in Quebec society. It is hoped that this analysis will, to some extent, contribute to the understanding of the relationship between the social upheaval affecting Quebec society today and the new issues being considered in the field of the sociology of the family. » (pp. 164-165)

2. Méthode

Type de traitement des données :
Réflexion critique

3. Résumé

« For decades, historians, sociologists, psychologists and demographers have, through diverse approaches, attempted to elucidate the inherent causes of the profound changes that have affected the Quebec family in recent years. Whereas in the late 1950s and early 1960s the family was considered a relatively concrete and stable phenomenon, a new sociological current, with feminists leanings, has challenged certain implicit assumptions that once provided the foundation for research on this institution. In an effort to distance themselves from fucntionalist perspectives, these recent studies have attempted to redefine the family. A number of researchers have focused on new family behaviour patterns, as well as new attitudes toward the family. Some studies looking into the various forms of the family unit have been based on morphological criteria alone, while others have also considered individuals’ perceptions of the function of the family unit, marriage as an institution and, more generally, the integration of the family into the social environment. This renewed interest in the family has also been manifested in the arena of Quebec politics. During the last ten years, the Quebec government has, through the process of public consultation, worked toward developing and implementing a policy on the family. However, segments of the policy sparked numerous debates over the responsibilities of the state and the family and the transformation that has occured with respect to relations between men and women. At the heart of these discussions was the definition of the family. Indeed, no other issue addressed during the consultation fuelled more controversy. This is partly due to the fact that a variety of subjects dealing with distinct social representations have been addressed under the guise of the family. » (p. 164)