The Traditional Polish Family Structure

• Historically, Polish families were arranged in a patriarchal mode where the father or the eldest male was the head of the family and decision-making rested primarily with him.
• Women typically took care of the household chores and childcare, while men were responsible for earning and providing for the family.

Rapid Changes in Family Structures

• The last few decades have witnessed significant changes in the family structures in Poland, primarily influenced by the rise of feminism and more women joining the workforce.
• More women are now choosing their career over household responsibilities, resulting in an increased participation of women in the Polish economy.
• There is now a clear move towards equal responsibility sharing between partners when it comes to household chores and childcare.

Shift towards Single-Parent Families

• There is also an increasing trend of single-parent families, with mostly women taking the role of both the mother and the father.
• Economic hardships and social changes have led to an increase in divorce rates, thereby increasing the number of single-parent households.

Influence of Migration

• Migration, both internal and external, has greatly influenced the changing family dynamics in Poland.
• Often men migrate for work, leaving women back home to manage both family and work, thereby changing the conventional gender roles.
• External migration often results in "transnational families" where one or both parents live and work abroad for extended periods, and children are left behind under the care of relatives.

Elderly Care in Polish Families

• Traditionally, Polish families were expected to care for their elderly. But with changing social structures and economic situations, there is an increased burden on the state to take care of the elderly population.
• The shifting trend has also led to a rise in old age homes and professional care services.

The Impact of Religion

• Despite these changes, the influence of the Catholic Church continues to shape domestic life and family structure in significant ways.
• Even today, the Catholic Church's teachings emphasise traditional gender roles, although the enforcement and acceptance of these roles is less strict than in the past.

Summary

Evolution of family structures and roles in Poland reflects the broader socio-economic changes in the country. Regardless of these changes, the family continues to hold a significant place in the Polish society. However, the nature and emphasis of familial bonds and responsibilities continue to evolve, thereby reflecting the shifting realities of Polish life.