THE FAMILY, CULTURE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The
family has been the basic unit of change in every culture. Unfortunately, the concept
of sustainable development has failed to focus the family. It is within families that
sustainable lifestyles, decisions and change that can positively impact future
generations are encouraged or undermined. In addition, global sustainable
development can only be achieved if families as basic unit of human societies achieve
sustainability in all areas. It is from the base of a sustainable family that individuals
are best able to contribute positively to society as a whole. Families operate within
the dictates of culture; as such culture has an important role in families’ decision
making, consumption, relationship patterns, and conflict resolution; and in creating
sustainable families. The family is also identified in a cultural context; culture defines
roles and rules of conduct of family members; while families are also assessed by
standards inherent in the culture. This paper therefore argues that making our
homes and families more sustainable within the dictates of our culture is the panacea
for global sustainable development.