Funcionalidad familiar en uniones de hecho y matrimonio en jóvenes adultos y su relación con el riesgo educativo, en estudiantes de la Facultad de Jurisprudencia y Ciencias Políticas y Sociales de la Universidad de Cuenca – Ecuador, periodo marzo 2024-febrero 2025

Abstract

This article examines the challenges faced by university students who are married or in a common-law union and their struggle to balance family responsibilities with academic obligations. The study analyzes family functionality in common-law unions and marriages among young adult students from the Faculty of Jurisprudence and Political and Social Sciences at the University of Cuenca, as well as its relationship with educational risk during the period from March 2024 to February 2025. The research followed a qualitative methodology with a descriptive approach and a non-experimental design. Two focus groups were conducted with 11 participants. The results revealed that young couples predominantly form nuclear families, characterized by developing communication patterns and difficulties in role distribution. In terms of family functionality, most families were classified as semi-functional, with challenges in sharing responsibilities. The identified educational risks mainly included delays, absences, and difficulties completing assignments, all directly linked to family responsibilities.