The Importance of the Family as an Institution: Findings from an Italian Survey

This chapter develops discussion on family as an institution in terms of the individualistic, holistic and relational approaches. The authors raise research questions about whether the (marriage-based) family is still considered an institution and whether it is possible to identify specific elements linked to a strong idea of the family. The first research hypothesis expresses the expectation that the (marriage-based) family is still considered a valid institution. The second research hypothesis states that it is possible to identify specific structural and cultural elements associated with an idea of the family. The empirical part of the chapter is based on data from a quantitative survey called “The Family, a Resource for Society,” which was recently carried out in Italy. The sample consists of 3,527 individuals in couple relationships. The research only partly confirmed the hypotheses. It revealed a tendency towards a private view of the family institution in the couples sampled. At the same time, the study proved that there is a progressive de-institutionalisation of the family in favour of individualism. Some structural and cultural factors significantly affecting the family as an institution were also identified. Considerable importance was placed, first of all, on procreation and religiosity, rather than on age and marital status.