Ruptura familiar

Abstract

La rápida modernización de la sociedad española y el gran cambio en la condición social de la mujer han modificado la vida familiar que ya no se corresponde con el de la familia tradicional. Ha crecido el número de rupturas familiares: separaciones y divorcios ¿Implica eso una verdadera crisis de la familia? Esta, sin embargo goza de buena prensa al haber adquirido en la imaginación colectiva las dimensiones de una utopía privada de felicidad. Pero se ha demostrado que el matrimonio es una institución frágil. La familia al ser un hecho social y producirse la ruptura traerá consecuencias sociales. Primero, para los hijos. Es el momento de dedicar más investigación a esta consecuencia de la crisis inicial de los niños ante la separación de los padres. Lo más factible no es evitar la ruptura, sino intentar minimizar los costes de dicha ruptura familiar en sus repercusiones sobre los hijos. Actualmente, las instituciones educativas y la familia, han de construir valores. Con esfuerzo hay que ir construyendo ámbitos donde la confianza mutua, la tolerancia ante el fracaso vayan apoyando la formación de identidades socialmente constructivas, en unas circunstancias diferentes. Y éstas pueden ser las de la ruptura familiar; socialmente inevitable, pero suponiendo el mínimo de costes para sus participantes.

The quick modernization of Spanish society and the deep change in the social situation of women are creating a 'niche' for family life which doesnït correspond with the traditional one. The number of family breakups (separations and divorces) is increasing. Does it imply a real 'crisis of the family'? Family, however, has a very 'good press' in the Spanish public opinion. Moreover, in the colective imaginary it has acquired the dimensions of a 'private Utopia' of happiness. So high expectations are not easy to be carried out in a first attempt (more or less lasting). Possibly it derives from there the increasing social recognition of marriage as a 'fragile institution'. But is still a social fact, no matter how much the couple relationship is considered as a private subject. And breakups have also social consequences, in the first place for children. Sociologically it seems non-viable to us the idea that in the future, in a pluralist society, this conception of marriage as a weak institution can disappear. In any case, it seems urgent to minimize the sufferings and damages that affect the children. We wonder if the Spanish society has given enough attention and resources to this matter: Isnït there a certain 'social loneliness' in broken families? Anglo-Saxon literature (but not only) has been studying for decades the different strategies with which they try to overcome the inevitable original crisis of children facing their parentsï separation. Maybe itïs time to dedicate more research attention, social resources and money to prevent at least the severe conflicts derived from some breakups as well as their repercussions over the healthy psyco-social development of children.