Where Has Family Time Gone? In Search of Joint Family Activities and the Role of the Family Meal in 1966 and 1999

Mestdag, I., J. Vandeweyer (2005): Where Has Family Time Gone? In Search of Joint Family Activities and the Role of the Family Meal in 1966 and 1999. Journal of Family History, July, 30, Issue 3: 304 - 323 - TOR 2004/33.

Abstract

The idea that the end of the family is near is gaining growing attention. The traditional families, with two parents and at least one child living together, are certainly losing strength compared to other types of families. Moreover, fear is rising that families spend less time together. Family time as well as the family itself would be past their peak. In this paper it is investigated to what extent family time has decreased and how it has changed. How much time do families still spend together and what do they do together? Belgian time budget data gathered in 1966 and in 1999 were used to answer these research questions. Both time budget studies required all respondents kept a diary with all their activities during at least one day. All respondents also completed a questionnaire. Time budget data and questionnaire data from both surveys were merged into one joint database. Only respondents with a partner and at least one child were retained. Analyses showed parents were spending less time as a family and that time spent eating as a family was also decreasing. That holds true especially for working days, when numerous commitments hinder or even render impossible 'family quality time'. On Saturdays there was an important overtaking manoeuvre, though. Moreover, family time changed with regard to the activities done as a family. As for the timing of family activities, analyses showed family time is less characterized by peak moments around meal times in 1999 than in 1966. Finally, we also focussed on the variety in time spent as a family within various social groups.