The problem of the formation of power relations in the family

The article considers the problem of the formation of power relations in the family. The author analyzes transformation of the traditional family hierarchy, which leads to the fact that one of the topical issues of the modern family is the problem of the formation of power relations. According to the author’s opinion, the formation of power relations in the family originates in the premarital period. When considering families, the author distinguishes two systems of power relations in families - authoritarian and democratic ones. The first type includes families with the authoritarian leadership of one of the family members. The second type includes families with a democratic distribution of power between spouses. This type is characteristic of an egalitarian family, based on equality. The concept of head of the family, which means a family member exercising family power, is closely related to the system of power relations in the family. Under family power, it is customary to understand the ability of one family member to change behavior or influence the behavior of other members. The author analyzes the results of a sociological study on the problem of the formation of power relations in the family. The object of the study was residents of the Republic of Buryatia (N = 273). The study revealed that the formation of power relations in the family is formed on the base of the use of various means, including violence. The use of violence helps to establish even greater power over subordinate family members. The means of coercion consist in certain techniques and methods of power designed to force the object of power to obey against his will.