Integration of European Societies and Family Patterns

Abstract

Family is ambiguous. It transforms in its forms while at the same time being an enduring social institution and one of the most valued things in the lives of Europeans. Europeans are increasingly open to alternative forms of organizing their private lives, and European societies are increasingly giving their ‘official’ approval to alternative lifestyles. This approval extends, for example, to providing legal protection for non-marital cohabitation, same-sex partnerships and, in some cases, even same-sex marriage, by permitting adoption rights (although in most cases restricted ones) for same-sex couples. It also includes allowing the use of reproductive technologies, on the one hand, and acknowledging the right for abortion and use of contraceptives, on the other, as well as allowing and facilitating divorce. There is no longer only one ‘correct’ way to live as a couple, to start a family and live a family life, although most of us hope for and choose the ‘traditional’ way: marriage and (preferably) two children.