...Elizabeth Rodriguez Syg2010 March 11, 2015 The Changing American Family Unlike in the 1950s, there is no ‘typical’ American family today. Typically in the 1950s an American family consisted of a breadwinning father and a stay at home mother. Today that is not the case for most Americans. What purpose are families actually suppose to serve in contemporary societies? Is it families that create problems or solve them? In the twenty-first century how are we suppose to reduce family related social problem? I will examine Ch.11 The Changing Family and examine the functionalist, conflict, and symbolic interaction views. Meet Kristi and Michael Burns both have a lot in common. They both share a love for crossword puzzles, going to football games, museums and reading up too five or six books at a time. As for today, their blended family is extensive, sometimes uneasy with two sharp-eyed sons from two of Kristi’s previous husbands, a daughter and son from Michael’s second marriage, an ex-spouses unreliable degrees of involvement, the partners of ex-spouses, the puzzled in-laws and a kitten named Agnes that likes to sleep on computer keyboards. (Angier) If the Burns seem as an atypical American family how about we throw in the Schulte-Waysers a merry couple of two married dads, six kids and two dogs. The functionalist perspective emphasizes the importance of family. Functionalist perspective also stresses the ability of maintaining the stability of society and well being...
Words: 921 - Pages: 4
...Changing family patterns Divorce * 1969/71 – divorce reform act – women had the right to divorce, this was because a lot of marriages were irretrievable, which led to breakdowns. * This caused a massive increase in the divorce rate, the divorce rate has continued to rise but we have recently seen a decline. Why – change in the law in 1971 * Secularisation – refers to the decline in the influence of religion. * The position of women – women are now financially independent, they have more career opportunities, and girls have a greater success in education. * People have a high expectation of marriage make couples less willing to tolerate an unhappy marriage ( romantic love – marriage should solely be about love) * Decline in the stigma ( negative attitudes towards divorce) Childbearing * Women are now having children later (careers ) * More women are remaining childless (pursing their career, and children are a burden) * 4 in 10 kids born outside of marriage. Why * Women now have greater career opportunities ( trying the break through the glass ceiling) * Children are an economic liability ( we live in a child centred society) * Men and women now have choice and are not being forced into a shotgun marriage due to unwanted children. This has been combated by contraception and abortion. * There is an increase in cohabitation ( an unmarried couple in a sexual relationship living together) ( this is known as the trial...
Words: 935 - Pages: 4
...Over the last sixty years American families have changed drastically in many ways, For example families became more diverse, also many couples chose to live together without being married, also womens started to consider living as a family with their kids without being married. Families are more socially diverse now such as there are many same sex marriages, “ A growing number of gay men and lesbians are pursuing parenthood any way they can: adoption, surrogacy, donor sperm.” ( The Changing American Family). In my opinion I think that gay parents have the right to adopt children, just because they decided to be on the wrong track doesn't mean that they will be deprived to have kids, aside from all that i believe that gay parenting should not...
Words: 327 - Pages: 2
...There are number of different interlinked reasons for changes in the patterns of marriage, cohabitation and divorce in the last 30 years. The number of marriages has declined as a result of most people are getting married later in life, although cohabitation has increased rapidly due to the changing social attitudes and the divorce rate has increased as changes in law made it easier to obtain. Since the 1970s, there has been a significant decline in marriage, from 480,000 marriages in 1972 to 306,000 in 2000. Women's expectation of marriage and life has increased since 1970s. Some sociologists argue that we place an increased value on romantic love, which had resulted in more marital breakdown. Young and Wilmot suggest that in the west we have a romanticised, unrealistic view of marriage and family life. Over the past 30 years, people have tended to marry later. Living together as a couple, partly accounts for this. Many couples see cohabitation as a prelude to marriage. Also, they are less likely to give up their careers and independence as now women are financial independent. When our marriage doesn't live up to our increased expectations we are more likely to give up on it in search of the perfect marriage. Functionalists such as Ronald Fletcher Talcott Parsons claim that people expect and demand more from marriage. They believe that higher divorce rate reflects a higher value placed on marriage. Feminists argues that it is women rather than men who are increasingly dissatisfied...
Words: 583 - Pages: 3
...years, the definition of the term “family” has changed radically. The changing American family structure comes from the family division due to divorce and the responsibility of single parents in raising children. The meaning of family ranges from a proof that the social structure of America can meet social, political and economic changes and thrives. For a mother, the financial responsibilities are immense when she raises her child alone. Lynn Olcott, a teacher at Auburn Correctional Facility in New York, stated in her essay “The Ballad of a Single Mother” the trials and inevitable difficulties that comes with being a single mother by playing both parental figure roles. According to her, the financial struggle is mainly due to gender inequalities in workplace and being a one-income family. In a way, the fact of working forces her to put her son in nursery school, which then cost more money and create a vicious circle from a financial perspective. Rebecca M. Blank, a professor of economics at Nothwestern University, adheres to the same topic in her article “Absent Fathers: Why Don’t We Ever Talk About The Unmarried Men?” by calling attention to the problem that the “lack of parental support” form absent fathers “is a major factor contributing to the poverty of single mothers and their children”(Blank, 440). They commonly agree that if the father was in the family home or gave contribution such as child support, it would be easier to the family to struggle and not be disturbed....
Words: 644 - Pages: 3
...CONTENTS Introduction 2 1. The changing family units in Malaysia 3 2. Changes in Early Childhood care providers 4 3. Changes in Early Childhood education in Malaysia 5 4. Government policies 6 5. Social issues: 5.1 Housing 7 5.2 Poverty 8 5.3 Wellness and Healthy Living 9 Conclusion 10 References 11 Introduction Malaysia has over a period of fifty years since its independence developed into a highly urbanized nation due to buoyant economic growth. Along with development comes progress and along the way, changes to a certain degree- a modern family unit. As society progresses, so do methodologies and programs in the teaching of Early Childhood Education. In the United States, early childhood professionals agree that the children’s development is influenced by their environment: their family, teachers, school, town, media, governmental systems, and so on. (Morrison,2011). An important aspect of early childhood education is developing a holistic approach to education itself. Parents who are illiterate are taught to read, write, speak and listen so that in turn, they can be of support to their children in the learning process. In Malaysia, early childhood programs...
Words: 2709 - Pages: 11
...1. What effects have the changes in family structure had on businesses thus far? Think of the products that have been designed for couples with no children and for individuals living alone. Think also of the working woman phenomenon. What does that mean in the long run for businesses? From the point of view of the couples with no children, the businesses can target this segment with luxury and stylish goods. Goods of conspicuous consumption will have acceptance in this segment. Stylish products and products that made a statement about the affluence of the persons using it should be targeted at this segment. Moreover, the businesses that are targeting this segment should position their brands as premium. The promotion communication should stress on images luxury and opulence. New products in these segments have potential for high profitability. The working woman phenomenon means that products targeted at the working woman like clothes, cosmetics and cars for women have good potential. In addition, as she can spend less time at home, there is market for products like instant food products and day-care for children. 2. What is the significance of the fact that two of three of the married couples with no children at home are over 50? What market opportunities does that create? This means that this market segment has high disposable income but is aged. This means that the products must be designed for people that are old and feeble. Products may also be targeted at persons have...
Words: 926 - Pages: 4
...The Family Sphere: The Changing Role of Women in the Home HIS 310 American Women's History Instructor: Dr. Cheryl Lemus April 18, 2016 Dr. Barbara Welter penned an influential article in 1966 titled “The Cult of True Womanhood: 1820–1860” which shed light on the often restrictive family sphere of existence within which, most American women throughout history had dwelt. According to Welter, true womanhood held that women were designed exclusively for the roles of wife and mother and were expected to cultivate Piety, Purity, Submissiveness, and Domesticity in all their relations (para.2). The Cult of True Womanhood, the idealized sainted mother, unconditional devotee of her husband and children, and the core power within the home still exists in the minds of many American men and women and seems to be an intrinsic part of our shared history. The ideal of the sphere of the American women and her relationship to the family evolved as the colonization of the United States evolved. When the first settlers arrived, women held a much more equitable role, laboring alongside the men to establish the country’s first settlements. As the initial settlements grew, the women who had proved vital in their creation were expected to lay down their hammers and saws and return to the family sphere. The supposition being that the return of the American woman to the family sphere was a returning to of them to their natural roles. She would leave the public sphere and revert to the more domestic...
Words: 2503 - Pages: 11
...‘At the Bay’ largely utilizes natural images as a means of expression, focusing heavily on landscape and setting in order to create the foundation for the establishment of themes integral to the characterization and plot development. The story instantly commences with the light shed on scenery and environment, “The sun had not yet risen and the whole of crescent bay was hidden under a white sea-mist” followed closely by ,”Drenched were the cold fuchsias, round pearls of dew lay on the flat nasturtium leaves”. References to ‘paddocks’, ‘bungalows’ and ‘a flock of sheep came pattering’ provide evidence of a rural, New Zealand setting and the usage of seasonal images of “the marigolds and the pink” indicate a Spring backdrop. Phrases such as ,” It looked as though the sea had beaten up softly in the darkness, as though one immense wave had come rippling” foreshadow the darker aspect this story is to follow as it progresses. The rural setting is further reinforced by the personification of the ‘gum-tree’, “An enormous shock haired giant with his arms stretched out” Mansfield’s composition follows an abundance of paragraphs, each of a constant length allowing for the build-up of a slow paced, tranquil atmosphere to grow at the base of the narrative, in line with the expanse of description. The first hint of one of the recurring motifs comes with the encounter with the Cat and the Sheep-Dog. Mansfield gives the Cat a metaphorical voice, “Ugh! What a course, revolting, creature...
Words: 1270 - Pages: 6
...From the Internet, I know that the “family unit “means very important groups in society and it includes parents and children. No matter how society develops, the family is very important in the world. Although changing gender roles become more and more popular in modern society, the family unit will not be affected too much because everyone needs a family. No matter how the gender roles changes, if people want to have a child, the best way is getting married. Society development is always following the natural law. Although female becomes independent and capable in modern society, have a baby is a special duty for the female. According to Aaron H. Devor, author of article, “ Becoming Members of Society: Learning the Social Meaning of Gender,” he says, “Members of both gender are believed to share many of the same human characteristics, although in different relative ……for each gender class” (388). A lot of successful females also have happy families in modern society. When gender roles change, it will not affect the female to have a baby because female can continue her career after having a baby and male can spend more time to take care of the baby. Part of result of changing gender roles is female go outside to work and male stay at home and work at home. It still can compose family no matter female or male stay at home. Male is more fit to take care of the family than female. Everyone knows that males have better physical power than female. It means that males...
Words: 617 - Pages: 3
...Today, the definition of family is very complex and cannot be explained in just a few words or lines. It can be said that the word ‘family’ has more than one meaning and this makes it more complicated for one to understand the meaning of family. According to most people, a family can be one in the traditional sense with two heterosexual parents with children, one with two parents of the same sex with an adopted child, one with a single parent. But maybe a family could be made of multiple partners; as an example in Judith Stacey’s book with the three gay partners living together. Maybe it could even be a live-in relationship where the partners are not married, as opposed to popular belief. The word family is not restricted to only these instances and can be illustrated in various other ways without a set structure or definition. In the article “American Family Decline”, Popenoe argues that the definition of family is changing and cannot be attributed to just one concept. He argues the state of the changing American family and states the causes for these changes. But due to the complexity of the word he desires to relate family to its traditional view with one father, one mother and the two children to whom they gave birth all living collectively in the same house. According to Popenoe, since the 1960’s up to the 90’s there has been a rapid shift in the percentages of the changing family. He further states that there has been an increase in the divorce rates in the past couple...
Words: 1349 - Pages: 6
...Census Bureau projections, the United States will face dramatic demographic changes over the next one hundred years. Indeed, the country will be entering largely uncharted territory. In the twenty-first century, the population is expected to grow more slowly than ever before over an extended period. The population will also age rapidly, with the share of the population over 65 climbing to a succession of new record highs. Finally, the United States will once again become a nation of immigrants (Martin, 2006). The Mexican immigrant and heritage segment of the population shows the greatest increase (by 345%). This increase is fueled by ongoing legal and illegal immigration, the effects of an amnesty/guest worker program, and by the larger family size of Mexican immigrants. Other Hispanic immigrants and their offspring are projected to rise over the next 45 years by 206 percent — from about 17 million to about 52 million residents. The rapid increase in this population segment also is fueled by amnesty,...
Words: 1433 - Pages: 6
...Post modernism and the family In your induction booklet there are two pages (26 and 30) which introduce you to the ideas of postmodernism. Go back and look over those explanations. The following chart takes the main points mentioned and links them to the family: | |Postmodernism |Applied to the family | |p.26 |Old divisions and certainties are|Families are no longer clear entities, different people are included at different | | |breaking down |times (first exercise), reconstituted families involve all sorts of people, all sorts | | | |of groups claim to be families, biology/legal ties are not the only basis for those | | | |claims. | | |Traditional theories do not |Traditional structural theories, Functionalism, Marxism, and Feminism, assume the | | |explain the society of today. |family being explained is the traditional nuclear family, this is not relevant any | | | |more, there is family diversity, changing gender roles and changing relationships | | | |between parents and children. | | |It is not possible...
Words: 1200 - Pages: 5
...Family System Tools - Reframing Marilyn B. Simmons BSHS/311 September 29, 2011 Dawn Oliwa, M.S. Family System Tools – Reframing Introduction Marriage and family counseling therapy has exploded over the past decade. Families are currently facing a wide variety of challenges and issues. Therapist and counselors are focused on using several different techniques to help establish and in some cases reestablish a healthily family functioning environment with the use of several different techniques. One of the techniques used in working with couples and families to stimulate change and gain greater understanding and information within the family structure is known as Reframing. Reframing is seen as a tool and method to offer the family a different perspective on presenting problems. Specifically, it involves taking something out of its logical class and content and placing it in another category (Sherman & Fredman, 1966). Through reframing, a negative often can be reframed into a positive. Communication patterns and processes are major factors in establishing a healthy family environment. Faulty or bad communication can severely hinder a family’s ability to resolve problems within the family structure, but literally close the door to the willingness to try. A combination of techniques can be used to shift the focus directly on Reframing to help a family or family member. Listening techniques including restatement of content...
Words: 1249 - Pages: 5
...Examine reasons for changes in family size over the last 100 years or so (24 marks) Over the last 100 years there have been large changes in society that have changed the family size. The first that would impact the size of a family is the cost of having children. During the last 100 years children have changed from being a source of income to being a substantial drain. Legislation has been enforced to protect children to restrict child labour; the 1889 Prevention of Cruelty to Children act stopped children under 14 from being made to work. This stopped parents using their children to bring in income. The cost of raising a child has increased because of all the things needed to sufficiently raise the child. The total to raise a child in the UK is approximately £180,000, this then influences people to opt for contraception, which has recently become much more readily available, to save up for children; In turn changing the size of the family. Another factor that has changed the size of the family is divorce. Divorce was very difficult, especially for women, in the early 19th century. However The Divorce Law Reform Act (1971) meant that divorce was cheaper and easier to obtain. Also a decline in social stigma made divorce more socially acceptable therefore splitting up families and changing the family size. An important reason why family size has changed during the last 100 years is family diversity. The large variety of family types that people can choose from, not just...
Words: 323 - Pages: 2
