Sociological Association unveils “family charter framework”

April 04, 2026 / 4:53 PM

Dr Mohammed Hamdan bin Jarash Al-Suwaidi, Director of the Sociological Association

Sharjah 24: The Sociological Association announced the launch of the “Social Framework for the Family Charter” as part of its document “Our Family… The Fabric of Our Lives.” This initiative is included in the Year of Family 2026 programme and aims to enhance family awareness, strengthen social cohesion, and transform the year into a sustainable awareness initiative beyond traditional programmes.

Scientific analysis of contemporary family life

The framework provides a comprehensive social analysis grounded in the sociology of the family. It offers a scientific reading of contemporary family realities by interpreting social, digital, and psychological transformations affecting family structures and functions, moving beyond preaching or direct therapeutic intervention.

Pillars of the framework

The framework is built around key pillars, including family values and social transformations, intergenerational relations and managing differences, family mental health in a changing society, digital transformation within the family, and identity and social cohesion. These pillars reflect the unique characteristics and authentic values of Emirati society and serve as an analytical tool for developing cultural and educational programmes, seminars, workshops, and publications related to family affairs.

Empowering families through awareness

Dr Mohammed Hamdan bin Jarash Al-Suwaidi, Director of the Association, emphasised that the framework marks a qualitative step in institutional social work. He highlighted that the goal is not to impose guidance but to empower families to understand themselves.

"The social framework of the Family Charter is a shift from a culture of guidance to a culture of awareness, and from delayed intervention to prevention based on understanding," he said.

Families are encouraged to consciously interpret their transformations, manage differences through dialogue, and build cohesion on a shared understanding of responsibilities.

Supporting social expertise and community cohesion

The framework reinforces the association’s role as a specialised centre of social expertise, contributing to interpreting family phenomena and supporting relevant policies and initiatives. It represents one of the most prominent knowledge outputs of the Year of Family 2026 programme, turning family issues from fleeting discussion topics into a sustainable, knowledge-based project grounded in scientific analysis and community awareness.