I. Origin of the International Day of Families
Family is the "basic cell" of society. Since 1980s, the number of families in the world has increased dramatically, reaching 654.38+300 million. The family size is shrinking; The divorce rate has generally increased. In the United States, there are 1 couple of marriages, and one third of marriages in Western Europe end in divorce. The problem of population aging is becoming more and more serious. The number of elderly people over 65 has reached 350 million in the world, and the number of elderly people over 60 in Europe has accounted for one fifth of the total population. People's family values are also changing. These family problems have brought great influence to the society and attracted more and more attention from the international community.
1989,1On February 8, 1994, the 44th United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring 1994 as the International Year of the Family, and determined its theme as "Family: Motivation and Responsibility in a Changing World" with the inscription "Building a Minimum Democratic System at the Social Core". Since then, relevant United Nations agencies have decided to take the pattern of the roof as the symbol of the International Year of the Family to show people how to build a warm family with life and love. The purpose of the International Year of the Family is to raise the awareness of the government, decision makers and the public on family issues, and to promote the formulation, implementation and supervision of family policies by various government agencies.
1In February 1993, the United Nations Commission for Social Development decided to designate May 15 as "International Family Day" from 1994. The establishment of "International Family Day" aims at improving the status and conditions of families and strengthening international cooperation in protecting and assisting families.
Two. Previous themes of International Family Day
: Men have the final say? Gender Equality and Children's Rights in Contemporary Families
The theme of this year's International Family Day is "Family is related to the realization of development goals; Twentieth anniversary of the International Year of the Family ". The theme of China's commemorative activities is "Everyone is healthy and every family is happy".
20 13: promoting social integration and intergenerational solidarity.
20 12: work and family-balance
20 1 1: Facing family poverty and social exclusion
20 10: the impact of immigration on families around the world
2009: Mothers and Families: Challenges in a Changing World
2008: Father and Family: Responsibilities and Challenges
2007: Family and Persons with Disabilities
2006: Changing Family: Opportunities and Challenges
2005: HIV/AIDS and family well-being
2004: Tenth Anniversary of the International Year of the Family: Framework for Action
2003: Preparation for the 10th anniversary of the International Year of the Family in 2004.
2002: Family and Aging: Opportunities and Challenges
200 1: families and volunteers: building social cohesion
2000: Family: the Agent and Beneficiary of Development
1999: A family suitable for all ages.
1998: family: educator and provider of human rights
1997: Family Building Based on Partnership
1996: family: the first victims of poverty and homelessness.
1994 theme of international family day: family: motivation and responsibility in a changing world.
Note: 1995 should not decide the theme of the International Day of Families. Instead, the theme is proposed and the theme of the event is determined every two years.
Third, family.
Family significance
Family is the most important part of human society, and it is also an individual unit that has an important influence on human society. A long time ago, sociologists, psychologists and related experts attached great importance to the role and position of the family in social composition and development.
Family has special significance and status, and it appears in response to people's needs. People's instinctive characteristics determine that people need the care and pity of the same kind, and the family is a collective established to meet people's natural needs.
The combination of men and women conforms to human nature, which can not only deepen the relationship between the two sides, but also make each other perfect. And through them to lay a solid foundation for the family. New kinship can be established, and this nepotism has played an important role in strengthening the social foundation in the long history of mankind.
Therefore, as the most influential unit in society, family plays an important role in solving the crisis that plagues human society.
Family status quo
Many sociologists and educators believe that the family plays an important role in establishing spiritual peace, consolidating cultural and social relations and the growth of future generations. In addition, the family, as the main member of society, can protect young people and future workers from social evils.
In the past half century, especially in the last 20 years, the family has undergone great changes in all countries' societies. The main reason is that the family foundation has been shaken due to the relationship between work, immigration, information development, society and economy, as well as war and social inequality.
Of course, the shake of family foundation not only leads to the increase of divorce rate, but also brings many disadvantages to society. For example, young people leave their families and enter the society. Because of psychological imbalance, they begin to create violent incidents in society to show their inner dissatisfaction or get comfort.
The survey shows that in the 1990s, the traditional American family foundation has completely collapsed. Then cohabitation, single-parent families, bachelors. The rate of complete family life decreased from 25.6% in 1990 to 23.3% in 2000. According to the statistics of American Family Federation, 30% children in America are illegitimate children. In addition, a survey of American society shows that 77% of young people go astray for family reasons, such as stealing, taking drugs and fighting. Statistics also show that from 1960 to 1995, violent criminal activities taken by teenagers without parental care have increased seven times. In addition, in conflicts and wars in other parts of the world, the family has become the first victim, and it is self-evident that many troubles have been brought to society after the family was destroyed by the war. Therefore, if we don't take a series of correct programs and measures to consolidate the family foundation and restore social spirit and cultural values, then we will not be able to solve a series of social problems.
Nowadays, international organizations, including the United Nations, UNESCO, UNICEF and many other governmental and non-governmental organizations, are striving to improve the cultural and educational level of countries all over the world.