Afrasianet - The world has undergone radical changes in recent decades, with the family being challenged by Western influences, which have led to profound shifts in family structure and social values.

While the traditional family was based on marriage between a man and a woman, and the interdependence of family members, Western societies witnessed major transformations as a result of the industrial revolution, intellectual and social transformations, and individualistic ideas began to spread, as the focus became more on the individual and his rights than on the family as a collective institution.

Individualist thought is one of the pillars of modern Western culture, focusing on the rights and freedoms of the individual, without sufficient regard for the balance provided by the family. This trend began to emerge from the Enlightenment and was strengthened with feminist movements, which sought to liberate women from their traditional roles in the family. Despite important gains made by women, an excessive focus on individual autonomy has weakened family ties.

In the sixties, the sexual revolution was a major turning point in the dismantling of the traditional family, encouraging sexual freedom outside marriage, leading to the spread of illicit relationships, increased divorce rates, and a decrease in the commitment to marriage as a social contract. Moreover, the sexual revolution has changed the perception of the family, as it has come to be seen as a restriction on individual freedoms.

Western media have also played a large role in spreading ideas that contradict traditional family values, with films and series often portraying the traditional family as a repressive entity, while featuring independent individuals who defy social norms as protagonists. Moreover, non-traditional family models are promoted as normal or even ideal, destabilizing the concept of family among younger generations.

Western laws and legislation have also contributed to the disintegration of the family, for example, divorce laws have become more accessible, resulting in significantly increased divorce rates. In addition, homosexuality and same-sex marriage have been legalized in many Western countries, leading to significant changes in the traditional family structure.

The Western educational system has also contributed to shaping the minds of new generations according to ideas that are far from traditional family values, where children are taught at an early age concepts related to gender and gender identity that contradict conservative family values. This led to the emergence of generations that are not reconciled with the idea of the traditional family.

All of this had negative effects that led to the destruction of the family, including:

1. The deterioration of human relations; With the decline of the role of the family, cases of social isolation and loneliness have increased, as the family has always been a source of emotional and social support, and in the absence of this support, societies have become suffering from the spread of problems such as depression and anxiety.

2. Increase crime rates and delinquency; Research has shown that children who grow up in dysfunctional families are more likely to delinquent and crime. The family provides a safe and child-rearing environment, and in the absence of this role, children face difficulties in adapting to society.

3. The collapse of moral values; moral values were passed down through generations through the family. As the role of the family declined, new generations became more vulnerable to negative influences from the media and popular culture.

4. The identity crisis: the destruction of the family has led to the creation of generations suffering from an identity crisis. The family has always been a source of belonging and identity, and in the absence of this source, individuals feel lost.

Resistance and attempts to preserve the family have emerged, including:

1. Conservative movements in many countries to counter Western influences on the family, these movements seek to preserve traditional values and strengthen the role of the family.

2. Education and media: Many societies have begun to use education and media to spread awareness of the importance of the family and its role in building society, and focusing on family values has become part of educational policies in some countries.

3. Return to religion: Because religion has always been a source of values and morals, many individuals and groups find in returning to religion a way to protect the family from destruction.