The contemporary Japanese family is typically a nuclear family, quite different from the largermulti-generational families of traditional Japan. Most families now consist of a father, mother, one or two children, and perhaps an in-law. In the cities, average Japanese families live in relatively small quarters.Most rural families still follow the traditional family structure. The birthrate of Japan is now one of the lowest in the world, at about 1.2 children per family. This rapidly declining birthrate has already affected Japanese society, and together with the increased graying of the Japanese population, poses a major problem for Japan.The primary breadwinner of the family is still the father. His main responsibilities are to go to work and earn a good and steady income so that he can support his family. Although many changes are occurring in younger families, fathers are still treated with respect and are not expected to contribute significantly to daily household chores. The father is given the place of honor at home and others defer to his preferences. He spends most of his waking hours at work, though many younger fathers now spend more time at home with their families than in the past.Mothers are still the primary household caretakers. They are up early preparing breakfast and lunches for their children and husbands. They do the bulk of the household chores, shopping, and family budgeting. It is the mother's responsibility to see that her children are educated well. They will go as far as staying up late at night to provide snacks for a child studying for exams. Mothers look after all of their children's needs, and if there are in-laws or elderly parents, it is also their responsibility to take care of them. Many mothers now work part-time to supplement the family income or volunteer in the community. This also gives a mother time to be out of the home and develop her own personal interests and relationships.If there is a son in the family, his needs are still prioritized above the daughters'. He is often catered to, and rarely is expected to help with household chores. Parents may still believe that it is their son on whom they must depend for support when they become older. Many sons in Japan, particularly only sons, are spoiled and dependent on others to help them with daily responsibilities.When daughters in the family reach their pre-teen years, they are expected to assist with household chores. Much more is demanded of daughters than sons. In recent years, though, girls may also be catered to by their parents.Though far less common than before, some families still include one or possibly two grandparents,most often the parents of the father. When this grandparent is the mother-in-law to the young wife, there is often great conflict, as Japanese mothers-in-law traditionally wield much power. Although not as common as in the U.S., there are households now in Japan with single parents, unmarried singles, and adult singles living with their parents.While the face of the Japanese family has changed significantly in the last generation or two, Japanese people still find the family to be a valuable source of support throughout life, with females still holding subordinate roles, and the aged still dominating over those who are younger.Questions to ponder: What are some of the issues that Japanese families face in contemporary Japan?Why do you think the dominant status of males and the aged still prevails?
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