[Family relations and informal social networks in the social structure and demographic change]

Demographic changes and social structural transformations lead to changes in family size, the family cycle and in intergenerational relationships. Contrary to an abridged and overgeneralized public, political and scientific discussion, one can, by no means, assume a decrease in family functions concerning the aged. It seems that in some areas emotional and instrumental functions of the family increase. In other areas functions are transferred and generally there is a whole new division of labor between family and other informal networks. These informal networks are obviously becoming increasingly meaningful in the sense of a family "freely chosen". Because of considerable variability in social structure generalizations in this area cannot be made. On the whole, one can expect a continuing expansion and differentiation in the range and type of support offered the elderly by the family and other networks.