The reconstruction process from the perspective
of the experiences of children Cover Image

Proces rekonstrukcji rodziny z perspektywy doświadczeń dzieci
The reconstruction process from the perspective of the experiences of children

Author(s): Anna Mitręga
Subject(s): History, Social Sciences, Education, Sociology, Social history
Published by: Zakład Historii Edukacji w Instytucie Pedagogiki Uniwersytetu Wrocławskiego
Keywords: reconstructing family; stepmother; stepfather; patchwork family

Summary/Abstract: A growing number of disintegrating marriages is a constant element of modern family reality. Partners have stopped treating the institution of marriage as an inseparable relationship confirmed by an oath. In fact, the relationship between parents lasts aslong as they fulfil their mutual emotional needs. A natural consequence of disintegration and divorce is going back onto a marriage market and seeking a new partner. Passive participants of those processes are children accompanying parents in their changes. Reconstructing a family is obviously parents’ unquestionable right, but it often seems to be a difficult experience for offspring. When a relationship falls apart the child passes through a difficult process of acceptance of parents parting. That kind of change leads to a transformation into a mono-parental family, and the appearance of mum’s or dad’s new partner is another change of functioning. The aim of the paper is to show how it is seen from a perspective of children, as well as what difficulties and opportunities they experience. Understanding children’s experiences gives a chance to minimize the threats during the period of family reconstruction.

  • Issue Year: XV/2017
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 253-268
  • Page Count: 16
  • Language: English, Polish