Polish Family Hierarchy

In Poland, households consist of a three generation family-parents, grandparents and children living together.  But a lot of people also live in nuclear family structures which is an increasingly common and preferable choice for most families. The power or hierarchical structure of a modern family is different from that of a traditional family.

Since women generally work outside the household, there is a difference in roles of men and women and how this carries on to the children.  The relationship amongst family members is informal and there is an emotional connect between everyone living together. To understand the hierarchical structure of a Polish family, you can go through the following given information.

Polish family hierarchyFather

Like many other nations and cultures, the father is placed at the top of the hierarchy in a Polish family but only when the grandfather is of a retirement age and beyond or is not healthy enough.   The main authority, power and responsibility is on the shoulders of the father who provides for the entire family and makes most of the important decision. He takes the financial decisions and makes sure everything is in proper running order.

Mother

The mother is the next person in a Polish family and is the most important woman of the household. She may or may not work outside the home but is still responsible for looking after the kitchen and other household chores.  She provides care for the children and also looks after the grandparent’s health and wellbeing.

Grandparents

The grandparents may hold the third position in the family hierarchy of a Polish family. They may be supported by their son and daughter in law after they retire from work and play an important role in the socialization of the children, caring for the children, supervising activities of the household and making sure that the children are getting the best of education and learning.

Children

In the hierarchy of a Polish family, the children fall next in line. The children may not pay a significant role in the decision making process of the family or may not have many responsibilities but are required to help their parents, support their grandparents and respect everyone around them.  If both the parents are working, then the children often grow up in the supervision of the grandparents.

Extended Family

Sometimes, the cousins, aunts and uncles may also live with the rest of the family but these scenarios are rare in Poland.

Know about Racial Hierarchy in Australia.