Shannon N. Davis-The Contemporary Role of the Family in Society

In this ever shrinking world, the effects of globalization not only affect nations and organizations, but each and every individual. War, famine, disease, financial crisis amongst numerous other difficulties have taken their toll on all levels of society throughout the globe. One institution as a result of the recent global challenges has been undermined and shaken -- that institution is the family. Issues regarding the role of each family member, their contributions to society and overcoming social problems, poverty in the current economic crisis giving rise to hopelessness and an uncertain future for many are some of the key parameters that need to be addressed. This conference hopes to provide a platform for some of the numerous issues and problems facing families in the hope that it will be a means for overcoming common difficulties within the dynamic status and definition of what a family actually stands for in the 21st century.