The Return of the Family

GenevaJune 30, 2014

Why are families so important at all?

Mega-trends turn the world upside down

…and have a deep impact on families.

1. Rising populations worldwide

Rising populations worldwide

Population distribution worldwide

2. Falling birthrates worldwide

Yearly growth rate of populations worldwide

Demographic Change

3. Aging of societies worldwide

Aging of societies in German speaking countries

4. Globalization of the world economy

5. Mega-Cities

6. Disintegration of the extended family

7. Growing economic independence of women

8. Growing Individualism

• Increase in privacy among family members• Change in partnership• Counterplay individualism versus

community spirit• Growing acceptance of divorces• Fewer marriages and more divorces

worldwide

http://familyinequality.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/ipums-international-marriage-ols.jpg

9. Systematic devaluation of the family

• Inflationary use of the term "family" • Discrimination against families• Failure of family policy

10. Sustainability

Thank you for your attention!

Walter M. Baarwww.itf.co.at