2.4
Family obligations
Family obligations are poorly defined in the literature, although legislation in some
communist or formerly communist countries spells out family responsibilities and
obligations. Families in all societies are commonly expected to care for and nurture
children, provide financially for their members and transmit cultural and moral traditions
and values (Hartley 1995). Obligations are usually ‘felt’ emotional or cultural
expectations rather than legal commitments. The strongest obligations are those of care,
both for children and for ageing parents. While obligations are generally hierarchical, in
many cultures they extend laterally, particularly to siblings and their families but also to
wider kin.
Obligations typically range from the behavioural, such as deference in decision-making
and obedience and providing emotional support and protection, to the practical. The
latter includes providing money, food, shelter, care and nurturing, help with finding work
and education costs, transport and attendance at or contribution to the cost of family
events such as births, marriages and funerals.