 |
 |
 |
| |
|
|
Q.5 While overall 82% of students surveyed considered that their parents were equal partners interesting differences emerged between the sexes. In all 3 Irish schools approximately 10% more females than males considered that their parents were not equal partners. However in the Danish and German schools more females than males considered their parents shared an equal partnership - this was especially apparent in Aarhus where 84% of girls as opposed to 70% of boys believed their parents to be equal!
Q. 6 Responses to this question highlight the huge differences in family behaviour between Ireland and the other European schools. In Denmark an average of 27% of families share all mealtimes together, while in Germany this figure rises to 41.5%. In contrast all meals are shared together by only 14% of Dublin families, 11% of Newry families and 17% of Claremorris families. Almost half of Claremorris and Dublin families and 30% of Newry families eat together only occasionally. The equivalent figure for the other schools averages 10%.
Q.7 In excess of 80% of Danish and German extended families very frequently/frequently participate in outings and celebrations together. Comparatively few Irish families enjoy such activities with less than half of the families rarely getting together to celebrate.
All in all it seems that Irish social life has moved away from being family centred and is in marked contrast with other European countries, and certainly marks a huge departure from traditional family life in Ireland.
