College of Teacher Education
First Semester, A.Y. 2023-2024
Module 11
Parenthood
Course Title: The Contemporary Family Life
Course Code: VED 7
Name: ___________________________________
Course and Year: __________________________
Date and Time Allotment:
Introduction
This module entitled “Parenthood” will present the roles of the parents in socialization, the different
child-rearing patterns, and the four types of child abuse.
I. Objectives
At the end of this module, students should be able to:
1. Expound the role of parents in socialization.
2. Explain comprehensively the child-rearing patterns.
3. Discuss the four types of child abuse.
II. Lectures/Discussion of the Lesson/s
Parenthood
Parenthood is generally considered by the Filipino as a natural outcome of marriage. If a baby does
not come within one or two years after marriage, people start to wonder what is the matter because everyone
who gets married is assumed to want to be a parent. There are strong cultural pressures and expectations
for every married couple to have children. Thus, childless is seen is seen as an unfortunate and pitiful state,
and childless couples generally resort to adoption.
The child’s position in the family is significant because it is the child who gives the family its form and
structure. A husband and wife remain as mag-asawa (couple) until a child is born. To the Filipino, a family is
not complete without a child, as evidence by the use of the term mag-anak (the root word anak meaning
“child”) to refer to the family. The child is also structurally significant in the formation of the bilaterally extended
family. It is the child who links the families of the father and mother. It is the child alone who is related by
blood equally to both his father’s and his mother’s kin group
A. Roles of Parents in Socialization
 Socialization is the process whereby the individual acquires and internalizes the norms, attitudes, and
values of his society.
 It is through this process that the individual’s personality is formed.
 Agents of Socialization:
 The family
 The school
 The church
 All other groups to which the individual is exposed.
1. The parents should be dedicated in child-rearing not only because of genuine love and concern for the
child’s welfare but also because of community expectations and legal prescription.
2. The parents are the very first significant persons in the life of the child.
 They are the first to give the child love, warmth, and affection.
 They are the first to whom the child turns for guidance and support.
 They are the first with whom the child has close emotional attachment and feeling of belonging.
 Parents are the in the best position to influence the child.
3. The mother assumes the bulk of child care responsibility because it is she who spends more time at
home and has more intimate relationship with the child.
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Roles of Parents under the Child and Youth Welfare Code:
1. Specifically provides that parents are obliged to support the child in the form of a “balanced diet, adequate
clothing, sufficient shelter, proper medical attention, and an education commensurate with the child’s
abilities until he completes his education and training for some profession, trade or vocation, even beyond
the age of majority.”
2. It is also decreed that parents should give the child “affection, companionship and understanding, and
extend him the benefits of moral guidance, self-discipline and religious instruction.”
3. The Code gives the parents the primary right and obligation to provide for the upbringing of the child and
to discipline him as may be necessary for the formation of his good character.
Four Types of Fatherhood according to Tan (1994)
1. Procreator father – one who equates fatherhood primarily with raising of and providing for children.
2. Dilettante father – one who is often away from home but maintains a warm relationship with children.
3. Determinative father – one who sees fatherhood as a task and obligation, and is obsessed with
directing his children’s lives.
4. Generative father – one who spends much time with children and enjoys being with them such that
fatherhood becomes an opportunity for his own growth and fulfillment.
B. Child-Rearing Patterns
Child-rearing behavior, just like any other kind of behavior, generally follows societal norms and
expectations. What is considered the “proper” manner of raising children is defined by cultural tradition. Even
within the same society; child-rearing techniques and methods of discipline may vary with age, sex, and birth
order of the child. The size of the family and the stage in the family life cycle may also affect child-rearing
practices (Ventura). Other factors which may influence the patterns of child-rearing are social class and
rural/urban residence.
In general, child-rearing among Filipinos is nurturant, affectionate, indulgent, and supportive
(Ventura). There is a tendency to be overprotective probably because of great love and concern for the health
and safety of the children. As the children grow older, enforcement of discipline becomes more strict.
1. Corporal punishment – Is traditionally the most common and considered to be the most effective method
used by parents to instill discipline. It is believed that the best time to start corporal punishment is when
the child is still young. It is acknowledged that values inculcated early in life are more lasting. Moreover,
wrong ways and habits, if allowed in childhood, are difficult to change later.
2. Parental strictness – Depends on the site, the occasion, and birth order (Mendez, et al., 1984). Parents
are strict if the behavior or place is hazardous to the child’s health and safety. The are permissive if the
child is within sight, playing around in the neighborhood with friends and relatives; they are apprehensive
if he goes further out in the fields or to another barrio or town.
3. Birth order – The youngest child (the bunso) is usually the favorite. He is pampered for a longer time not
only because nobody else comes after him, but also because parents have become more liberal by this
time. The eldest child, on the other hand, bears the greatest demand and expectations everyone.
However, the eldest receives special attention and privileges because, as parental surrogate, he or she
has authority over the younger ones. The eldest may also be given preference in education and
inheritance; with the expectation that he or she will later care of the aged parents and the younger
siblings.
4. Gender – Gender of the child is another factor which affects child-rearing behavior. There is differential
treatment of boys and girls. While the boys are allowed to stay out late, the girls are expected to be at
home most of the time, and their behavior with respect to the opposite sex is more restricted compared
to the boys. Moreover, gender role differentiation is emphasized so that girls are raised to be wives and
mothers, while boys are to acquire skills in earning a living. Also, stereotyped gender traits are inculcated
so that girls are developed to be modest and refined while boys are to be strong and healthy (Liwag, et
al., 1999).
C. Child Abuse
Children are one of the most vulnerable groups in every society. Oftentimes, such vulnerability
subjects them to acts of exploitation, abuse, and discrimination.
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There are four types of child abuse (Guerrero-Manalo, 1997):
1. Physical Abuse. This refers to non-accidental and/or unreasonable infliction of physical injury, also
known as child battering.
2. Neglect. This means deprivation of basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, love and care, education
and medical care, including exposure to danger such as leaving the child alone in the house or near
the street without proper supervision.
3. Emotional Abuse. This is excessive verbal assault like cursing, derogatory remarks meant to belittle
the child or non-verbal harassing acts, including withholding of affection or withdrawal from or
rejection by the parent, guardian, or caretaker.
4. Sexual Abuse. This means use of children as objects for the sexual gratification of a bigger or older
person or when dependent immature children and adolescents participate in sexual activities which
they o not fully comprehend and to which they are unable to give informed consent, and that violate
social taboos.
There are several laws to promote the welfare of children, among them are:
1. Presidential Decree No. 603 or the “Child and Youth Welfare Code” which serves as a framework
for the protection of the welfare of the child.
2. Republic Act No. 7610 otherwise known as the “Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse,
Exploitation and Discrimination Act” which protects children against child prostitution and other
sexual abuse, child trafficking, obscene publications and indecent shows, and other acts of abuse.
3. Executive Order No. 56 which mandates the Department of Social Welfare and Development to
create and execute programs which would be of help in the solution of child abuse, specifically, the
taking into its protective custody, children who are sexually abused and exploited.
4. Republic Act No. 8369 or the “Family Course Act of 1997” which provides for the establishment of
family courts in every province and city in the country, granting them exclusive original jurisdiction
over children and family cases.
The programs and methods of intervention provided by both government and non-government
agencies for victims of child abuse are the following (Protacio-Marcelino, 1998):
1. respond to the physical and psychological effects of abuse,
2. rescue the victims from their abusers,
3. bring abusers to court,
4. reach out to potential victims of abuse through street-based education,
5. organize and mobilize the community in detecting, responding to, and preventing child abuse.
III. Activity/Application
Activity 11: 20 points
Direction: Answer the questions directly and concisely.
1. Expound the role of parents in socialization.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
2. Explain comprehensively the child-rearing patterns.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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IV. Assessment
1. Discuss the four types of child abuse. (10 points)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
V. Other References:
1. Medina, B.T.G., The Filipino Family (2nd edition), The University of the Philippines Press, 2001
2. Palispis, E.S., Sampa, E.M., Introduction to Sociology and Anthropology (3 rd edition), REX
Bookstore, 2015
3. Executive Order No. 209 otherwise known as The Family Code of the Philippines
Retrieved from https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1987/07/06/executive-order-no-209-s-1987/
(Accessed August 8, 2021.)
4. Tabernero, R., (DOC) The Family Code of the Philippines – Analysis and Cases
Retrieved from https://www.academia.edu; (Accessed August 11, 2021.)
5. The 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines – Article II, Section 12
Retrieved from https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph> (Accessed August 8, 2021)
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College of Teacher Education
First Semester, A.Y. 2023-2024
Module 12
The Elderly
Course Title: The Contemporary Family Life
Course Code: VED 7
Name: ___________________________________
Course and Year: __________________________
Date and Time Allotment:
Introduction
This module entitled “The Elderly” will discuss the four distinct processes of aging, the characteristics
of the elderly, and the role of aged parents and grandparents.
I. Objectives
At the end of this module, students should be able to:
1. Discuss the four distinct processes of aging.
2. Explain the characteristics of the elderly.
3. Explain the role of aged parents and grandparents.
II. Lectures/Discussion of the Lesson/s
A. The Social Aspect of Aging
Aging is commonly measured in terms of chronological age or the number of years a person has
lived since birth. According to the United Nation’s definition, an “aged” or “elderly” person is one who has
reached 60 years of age.
Gerontologists view aging in terms of four (4) distinct processes (Hooyman, 1993).
1. Chronological Aging. This is based on the person’s number of years from birth and is not necessarily
related to one’s physical health, mental abilities, or social status.
2. Biological Aging. This refers to the physical changes that reduce the efficiency of organ systems
such as lungs, heart, and circulatory system.
3. Psychological Aging. This includes the change that occur in sensory and perceptual processes,
mental functioning (e.g., memory, learning, and intelligence), adaptive capacity, personality, drives,
and motives. Thus, an individual who is intellectually active and adopts well to new situations can be
considered psychologically young.
4. Social Aging. This refers to an individual’s roles and relationships in the social structure: with family
and friends, with the work world, and within organizations such as religious and political groups.
B. Characteristics of the Elderly
 The average educational attainment of the elderly is elementary education. Although a higher
proportion of men, compared to women, neither read nor write, the male elderly who went to high
school, vocational school, or college are more than the female who reached the same educational
attainment. However, this gender differential is expected to reverse in the future as women get better
education (Cruz).
 Most of the elderly work for a living especially the currently married. The most active on the job are
those in household tasks which include cooking, doing light housework, managing the family funds,
and taking care of children (Cabigon, 1999).
 The most common leisure activity of the elderly is religious, including prayer and meditation daily
especially among the females. They also listen to the radio, view television, or read newspapers,
books, and magazines. Some give attention to physical exercises especially the males, while others
participate as member of an organization or club (Cruz).
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C. The Role of Aged Parents and Grandparents
1. Power and decision-making – Seem to be related to certain characteristics of the elderly, according
to the findings of a study involving 1,321 elderly respondents from Ilocos Norte, Batangas, Bohol,
and Metro Manila (Williams and Domingo, 1993). Specifically, it was concluded that the young
elderly, those who are employed, those who are well-educated and own their own homes, those who
provide support to their children, those who are in relatively good health, and those in more frequent
contact with their children, tend to be more influential in family decisions than the older elderly, those
who are not employed, those with little or no education, those who don’t own their homes, those
who receive support from their children, those who are not in good health, and those not in frequent
contact with their children.
2. Grandparents also play an important role in every family. Even when they are too old to be able to
do much physically, grandparents are still valued for they serve as the “eyes and ears” of their
children who go out to work. This pattern extends to the Filipino emigrants abroad who send for their
parents across the miles to have someone watch the house and the grandchildren while the
breadwinners are working.
 Since grandparents have many years of experience behind them, their advice is sought, valued and
often followed. Most importantly, since grandparents are left to care for the children, they, next to
parents, exercise the most influence on the child’s development.
Grandmother
 Is a very familiar figure in the household as domestic consultant to her daughter, daughter-in-law, or
niece, as supervisor of the house helpers, or more often as the real housekeeper, if both the husband
and wife of the house are employed.
 Also the babysitter to her grandchildren.
Grandfather
 Can play a unique and distinctive role as very lively and enjoyable playmates for their infant
grandchildren, sometimes eliciting more response than grandmother and parents (Tinsley and
Parke).
D. Needs and Problems of the Elderly
1. Economic security because they are already too old to work and difficulty finding employment because
many companies prefer to hire young people.
2. Most men have the emotional need to work and have great difficulty in adjusting to life of retirement. It is
probably due to their personal nature or their long work history that they find it hard to accept this kind of
inactive life.
3. Social interaction becomes a problem when the aged develops difficulty in relating with family members
or other people, especially with the young moderns. Either they are misunderstood or they have actually
become intolerant, rigid, and touchy.
4. Loss of health and vigor.
III. Activity/Application
Activity 12: 20 points
Direction: Answer the questions directly and concisely.
1. Discuss briefly the distinct processes of aging.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
2. Explain comprehensively the characteristics of the elderly.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
IV. Assessment
1. Explain the role of aged parents and grandparents. (10 points)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
V. Other References:
1. Medina, B.T.G., The Filipino Family (2nd edition), The University of the Philippines Press, 2001
2. Palispis, E.S., Sampa, E.M., Introduction to Sociology and Anthropology (3 rd edition), REX
Bookstore, 2015
3. Executive Order No. 209 otherwise known as The Family Code of the Philippines
Retrieved from https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1987/07/06/executive-order-no-209-s-1987/
(Accessed August 8, 2021.)
4. Tabernero, R., (DOC) The Family Code of the Philippines – Analysis and Cases
Retrieved from https://www.academia.edu; (Accessed August 11, 2021.)
5. The 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines – Article II, Section 12
Retrieved from https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph> (Accessed August 8, 2021)
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College of Teacher Education
First Semester, A.Y. 2023-2024
Module 13
Social Change and the Family
Course Title: The Contemporary Family Life
Course Code: VED 7
Name: ___________________________________
Course and Year: __________________________
Date and Time Allotment:
Introduction
This module entitled “Social Change and the Family” will discuss the modernization in the family,
the importance of mate selection, gender roles, and the fragility of marriage.
I. Objectives
At the end of this module, students should be able to:
1. Articulate understanding on the modernization in the family.
2. Discuss the importance of mate selection, gender roles, and the fragility of marriage.
II. Lectures/Discussion of the Lesson/s
A. Modernization and the Family
Developing of the world today are experiencing a comprehensive process of modernization and
change. Among the usual concomitant features of modernization are the interrelated processes of
urbanization and industrialization. Some other aspects of modernization are scientific and technological
advancement, and development of transportation, communication and mass media.
Urbanization is manifested by the steady flow of people from the rural areas to the city. This urban
concentration is spurred by the economic opportunities associated with the development of trade, commerce,
and manufacturing. The city is a center of business and industry. It is also a social, cultural, educational and
recreational center. Thus, it attracts all kinds of people from all walks of life.
Industrialization is a process where production is done not by human or animal power but by powerdriven machinery. It is usually perceived by developing societies as a means to higher standards of living.
Industrialization is also valued because it helps expand employment opportunities and strengthen the
economic base of the country, although some of its consequences represent costs rather than benefits.
The following are some of the changes in the family which have been often attributed partly to modernization,
urbanization, and industrialization:
1. More favorable attitudes towards working wives and mothers. The transfer of production function from the
home to the factory opened up new opportunities for female employment. Increased job opportunities, higher
educational attainment, decrease in the number of children, and social legislation protecting women’s rights,
have all contributed to the development of a favorable attitude towards working wives and mothers.
2. Changing role structure of the family. The employment of wives affect the role structure of the family.
Because the wife works, it is more likely that household chores and child care will be shared with the husband,
and that the role structure would be more egalitarian.
3. Decline in the authority of the husband/father. The shift in the production activities from the home to the
factory, the many hours of work away from home which deprive the husband/father the opportunity to exercise
authority in the family, the working wife’s increased independence from the husband, and the increase in the
government’s protection and service for women and children which used to be provided by the
husband/father, are some of the reasons for the decline of the husband/father authority. There is a shift from
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decisions based on obedience to father/husband to those resulting from discussion, consensus, and
compromise.
4. Decline of the family’s influence on the individual. When the family performed important functions, it was
a powerful institution and all the members saw the need to cooperate and contribute their share to accomplish
the tasks required. Now that activities are largely carried on outside the home and by individuals rather than
by families, the power and influence of the family is over its members is reduced. The employed individual
feels privileged to spend his own wage individually.
5. More permissive norms and behavior. With the urban concentration of people from all walks of life and
the corresponding anonymity that goes with it, the city usually becomes a focal point of social disorganization
and social problems. The daily process of commuting and working away from home tends to undercut family
and community ties which are so strong in the village. Thus, the usual social pressure which serves as
deterrent to deviant behavior in a closely-knit village is weak in the city. All these contribute to a more liberal
definition of appropriate behavior among the modern generation.
6. Breakdown of the consanguineal family as afunctional unit. The old system of family relationships is no
longer as strong, significant, and satisfying as before. The individual’s involvement and commitment to the
kingroup is weakened by the cosmopolitanism of the urban-industrial population. Many non-kin personal
contacts and relationships in the factory, business establishment, schools or recreational places, as well as
in the neighborhood have become more important to the individual than kin.
B. Mate Selection, Gender Roles, Fragility of Marriage
Mate Selection
Parents and kinsmen used to control mate selection and decide when, whom, and under what
circumstances their children should marry. Today, young people pick their mates and decide when to get
married. Their parents have generally given them the freedom to do so.
Gender Roles
Women today are challenging the traditional division of labor and pressing for a redefinition of roles.
They are also becoming more conscious of discrimination in employment practices and have clamored for
equal rights to jobs, equal pay for the same amount and quality of work, and equal chances for promotion as
men have.
Fragility of Marriage
Judging the number of court cases filed by spouses against each other, by the number of applications
for annulment of marriage, and by the number of couples who are actually separated, marriages today are
becoming fragile and full of stresses and tensions. There is changing concept of marriage due to the influence
of the notion of romantic love. Marriage used to be an economic arrangement by kin where the husband was
to earn or provide a living for his family while his wife was to take care of the domestic tasks.
Today, the modern concept of marriage emphasizes mutual affection and companionship, an
arrangement to fulfill personal goals such as having a home and children. The emphasis on sentimental
personal relationships and self-realization places a heavier burden on today’s family. Couples look to the
family for intimacy, companionship, and expression of emotional needs. The marriage starts to crumble once
they fail to find emotional satisfaction.
III. Activity/Application
Activity 13: 15 points
Direction: Answer the questions directly and concisely.
1. Explain and elaborate the modernization in the family. (15 points)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
9|Page
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
IV. Assessment
1. Discuss the importance of mate selection, gender roles, and the fragility of marriage. (15 points)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
V. Other References:
1. Medina, B.T.G., The Filipino Family (2nd edition), The University of the Philippines Press, 2001
2. Palispis, E.S., Sampa, E.M., Introduction to Sociology and Anthropology (3 rd edition), REX
Bookstore, 2015
3. Executive Order No. 209 otherwise known as The Family Code of the Philippines
Retrieved from https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1987/07/06/executive-order-no-209-s-1987/
(Accessed August 8, 2021.)
4. Tabernero, R., (DOC) The Family Code of the Philippines – Analysis and Cases
Retrieved from https://www.academia.edu; (Accessed August 11, 2021.)
5. The 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines – Article II, Section 12
Retrieved from https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph> (Accessed August 8, 2021)
Prepared by:
CRISTOBAL M. CANTOR
Instructor, CTE
Checked by:
RAYMOND N. CLARO, PhD
Dean, CTE
Approved by:
GLORIA C. NEMEDEZ, PhD
VP for Academic Affairs
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