Manifestations of Modernity and Their Impact on Family Relationships in the city of Zliten

Abstract

This study addressed the topic of “The Implications of Modernity Aspects on Family Relationships,” aiming to identify the impact of technology, modern means of communication, and industrialization on the nature of interaction and relationships within the family, as well as to reveal the main transformations brought about by these aspects in family life patterns. The study relied on a number of theoretical approaches that explain the topic, most notably: Modernization Theory, Technological Determinism Theory, Social Network Theory, Social Exchange Theory, Marxist Theory, and Postmodern Theory. The study falls within the scope of descriptive studies, adopting the social survey method. It was applied to a random sample of residents of Zliten City, consisting of (256) participants. A questionnaire was used as a data collection tool, and the data were statistically analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings revealed that aspects of modernity have contributed to significant changes in family relationships. Technology and modern communication tools have reshaped patterns of interaction among family members; while they have enhanced communication speed and reduced distances, they have also contributed to the decline of some forms of direct interaction and the emergence of social isolation. The results also indicated that industrialization has contributed to improving living standards and providing new opportunities for individuals, while affecting some family roles and functions. The study confirmed the existence of a statistically significant positive correlation among its dimensions, indicating the interconnected effects of different aspects of modernity and their implications for family relationships.