EN
Marital bound between man and woman, which is what makes a family, is of indisputable value and social good. One may quote many theological and sociological arguments in support of this statement. On the other hand, one may rightly say that the radical changes in many spheres of life that has been taking place in recent times, especially after the momentous year 1989, have left their mark on the whole sphere of values and morality. Pluralism in the culture of symbols, worldview and ethics leads to – among other things – the spread of relativism of opinions regarding ethical norms applicable in marital and family life. This relativism finds its expression in arranging one’s life in the so-called alternative forms, for instance in a cohabitation, also sometimes called a concubinage, or as a single, that is not marrying. One may also notice a characteristic feature of Polish families, that is small number of children and weakening of marital bounds. The quality of the family depends on the quality of the marriage. Yearning for a happy family life, so often expressed by many respondents, is authentic. But understanding of that happiness differ wildly, with oftentimes far-reaching consequences for marriages, families and whole societies. Social and cultural changes cause disruption to normal functioning of the marriage and family, brought about by the influence of various opinion makers, who propagate alternative forms of family life.