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Part Five Dimensions of Families
Families must also be prepared to cope with
the effects of a technological society. Many of the
technological advances you may take for granted
(for example, automobiles, air travel, and medical
diagnostic methods and treatments) were unknown
in the past. Many of the technological advances
used in a home environment (laundry machines,
dishwashers, and microwaves) were also unknown.
Although these and other advances make life
easier, they also present a challenge to families, both
at work and home. At work, people must continually
keep up with the operation of new and more
sophisticated technology. If they do not, they may risk
losing their jobs to workers who are more skilled.
At home, people must make sure that the use
of a new technological advance does not displace
important family functions. For example, washing
and drying dishes after dinner used to provide a time
for family members to work together and talk about
the day’s events. Today, the use of microwave ovens,
dishwashers, and other equipment may decrease the
time family members spend in the kitchen working
together. After dinner, family members may be
eager to spend time independently with personal
technology devices. To avoid losing time together,
families must fi nd or create other opportunities for
interaction and discussion.
On the other hand, communication can be
improved through technology. Digital devices allow
families to stay in touch and share their lives with one
another despite geographical separations. Families
can stay in constant communication through a variety
of mediums, which can include words, audio, and
visual forms of communication. Today’s communications
technology offers many ways for families to share
their lives with one another.
Throughout history, families have had to adapt to
varying economic and social pressures. Today’s families
are developing strengths to meet contemporary pressures.
Though families may vary in form, they still offer the
most stable environment for personal growth. Families
are here to stay in one form or another.
Explore
Technology Technology
Universal design technology
can allow people to remain in their
homes longer as they become
older. According to the Center for
Universal Design at North Carolina
State University, universal design is
an approach to making homes and
their contents usable by everyone,
regardless of age or ability. One
example is wide doorways and
hallways that allow people to move
easily from room to room, even
those in wheelchairs. Front-mounted
controls on appliances allow for
ease of use. Good lighting and non-
slip fl ooring make a home safer for
active children as well as people with
poor vision. What other examples of
universal design technology could aid
older residents?
Telecommunications
Technician
Telecommunications
technicians install and repair
communications devices
and networks. These include
telephones, televisions, and
computer, cable, and satellite
systems.