Family life is constantly changing and adapting, what is considered a family in today’s society would have been unthinkable in relatively recent history with single, step and same sex parent families becoming more and more common. As this definition expands the question arises as to whether this could potentially damage the current concept of family life. It is no secret that the nuclear family is in decline, the percentage of married-couple households with children under 18 in 2000 is almost half what it was in 1960 (Boundless, 2015) and over half of US children born to married or cohabiting parents in the late 1990’s are expected to experience the exit of one biological parent before they turn 18 (Bumpass and Lu, 2000). These changes have …show more content…
There has been plenty of research done into the effects this has on the upbringing of children, if these were clearly negative and had lasting impact then this could be case to argue there has been a decline in family life. There is plenty of suggestion, particularly in the media that being raised in a one parent family is a disadvantaged start in life however it is hard to judge whether this is the case. For example in a lot of cases the reason a child is with a single parent is due to alcoholism or criminal behaviour of the other parent, so to assess whether a single parent did any worse of a job the single parent must be compared with united families where the father was an alcoholic or criminal. In one such study it was found that the sons of alcoholic or criminal fathers were more likely to commit crimes regardless of whether the father was present (McCord 1982). This seems to suggest that it is not the structure of the family that determines the raising of a child but more the quality of care from the parental …show more content…
This had huge influence on family life, women had more freedom in their personal lives, many choosing a career first. By the time women were having children many already had well established careers and so the dynamic of the family had to be reconsidered, housewives became less common and often both parents were earning a wage. This started to dismantle the idea of the male breadwinner which had been the norm as long as humans have existed, and although this was initially met with some resistance “There is now agreement in most literature that the breadwinner model, in which men take primary responsibility for earning and women for the unpaid work of care, has been substantially eroded" (Sayer et al 2004). In families where both parents are working full time it is difficult to consider the effects this would have on the raising of a child, while it would mean greater assets to provide for the child it would also decrease the amount of time the child has contact with their parents which could cause issues of emotional development. According to research by Lois Hoffman in 1998 mothers being in full time employment does have an effect on family and children however very little of this is negative. Children
The American family is constantly undergoing changes. In the early 1600s, the Godly Family was the prevalent family structure of the first Europeans who immigrated to the United States (Aulette, 2010). Until 1780, families were strictly patriarchal with a male head of the family, who supervised “all social activities, including education, health care, and welfare”, and insured the family’s self-sufficiency within its community (Aulette, 2010). Following this form, the Modern Family and its sub-categories, the Democratic Family and the Companionate Family, were the dominant family structures until the 1970s (Aulette, 2010). Throughout the course of almost 200 years, families evolved into more private institutions aside from the community, women withdrew more and more from physical work on the family’s property and concentrated on their designated occupation as a mother, caregiver and housewife. Men were still the head of the family in terms of pursuing an occupation to financially provide for the family’s needs. During this time, gender-specific roles within the family were reinforced, which are still partially in effect in today’s society and family structure. Since the mid-20th century, the American family seems to be changing more rapidly than ever, partially because of the influences of the Great Depression and World War II, which led to the remarkable baby boom of 1946 to 1964. Not only did the year of 1970 mark the beginning of the most recent stage in the history of the (European) American family, the Postmodern Family, it also was the year in which the first gay couple applied for a marriage license (ProCon.org, 2013). Even though the two men’s request had been denied back then, same-sex couples and their family structure h...
There are different perspectives on the foundations of the nuclear family. For example, some argue that this form of the family is ‘natural’ and reflects the ‘normal’ and healthy biological urges of males and females as partners in reproduction. Others argue that the nuclear family does not represent a norm based on biological facts but rather exists alongside many other types of families such as single parent families and same-sex families. From this perspective, the family is socially constructed instead of being biologically determined, and society produces a dive...
One definition is “a significant social group in society typically consisting of one or two parents and their children.” While such definition is a good starting point, some modern family structures are excluded by such definition. In her essay, “Family: Idea, Institution, and Controversy,” Betty Farrell apparently assumes that the traditional family has dramatically changed, and the dynamics of change—altered the definition of a “family.” A family is no longer a picture of a particular image of the mythic past, referring to the golden days of the “1950s.” It is no longer a father, mother and their biological children living together under one roof (and certainly not with the a breadwinner father and a stay-at-home mother). In today 's modern society, it is now common to see women raising their children by themselves without their husbands’ help; unmarried couples living together; and gay and lesbian couples—while far from being universally accepted—adopting and raising children to complete their families. Therefore, despite the children living in one-parent households, or they do not live with their “married-heterosexual-biological-parents” under the same roof—does not necessarily mean they are not families. Farrell states that “a family is defined not so much by a particular set of people as by the quality of relationships that bind them together.” In other words, Farrell believes that a “family” is more than just a collection
Archives are filled with articles focused on the outcomes of children raised in single parent homes versus children raised in the nuclear family setting. The subject is highlighted in mass volumes throughout various internet blog forums, newspaper articles, and popular magazines detailing the statistical data and reputed points of view on the outcomes of the subject. Countless bloggers provide substantial personal testimonies highlighting both ends in the debate, while giving readers an inside-look at this situation from all different walks of life. Developing this issue into a broader context, we as the readers have to consider the magnitude of the issue and ask ourselves, “In concern with the betterment of my family, which lifestyle could I possibly adopt to ensure that my children are adequately socialized and prepped for life outside the parental structure?” However, this is not a question that requires a prognosis from a prominent sociologist; in fact, children raised in single parent families are just as capable at success as children raised in the traditional family setting.
Today, in a world of the “postmodern family” the traditional lines of family structure are blurred. Children may come from diverse types of homes, or a couple, married or not may choose to have no children and consider themselves a family. The roots of these modern families may stem from ethnic origins, sexual orientations, or even seen as a rebellion of sorts from traditional ways. Children may live in homes of single parents, which is an exceedingly more common phenomenon as the divorce rate well publicized at around fifty percent. They may also live with homosexual parents either as a biological child of one partner or adopted by both. Also, the traditional married couple may choose to adopt locally or internationally, potentially blending ethnic backgrounds into one household. Whatever the background of the new nuclear family the challenges and experiences follow similar patterns.
For example, the number of working mothers outside the home has increased since 1970’s, but the mother working is not a new phenomenon. “Mothers sold things from the home such as dairy products and woven goods during colonial times, took in boarders around the turn of the twentieth century, and held industrial jobs during WWII” (Benokraitis 16). Social scientists state that familial issues such as desertion, out-of-wedlock birth, and child abuse have sadly always existed. Similarly, children growing up in single parent households are not a novel occurrence. Even with the rate of single parents doubling in the past three decades, it tripled between the years 1900 and 1950. Divorce is also not a recent trend. The micro and macro level manifestations that tend to split the family structure apart have always existed; nonetheless, they were just not as prevalent or popularized by the media. Families are changing, but despite the obstacles, they are resilient. Families manage to cope with everyday stresses and protect their most vulnerable members- the young, old, ill, or disabled. The American family is synonymous with change, but is resilient regardless of gender roles, divorce rates, and alternatives to
Throughout recent decades, family life has altered tremendously. In the United States adolescents have been shown a different view of what family life is. From the 1970’s until present day traditional families, such as married with children, have declined immensely. Looking back the societal rule has become very diverse considering all the aspects such as the increasing divorce rate, the rise in same-sex relationships, and the expansion of lower income households.
However, as generations have moved into the 21th century there has been a major switch in the family unit. There is no considerable amount of family which can be defined as single parents home on the rise as the normal family or nuclear unit. “Whether a single-parent household is formed following divorce, separation, widowhood, or an out-of-wedlock birth, it is clear that the single-parent household has become a new family form in contemporary society”(Anderson,S,A,2010). Single parent’s household may not be the biological parent. Single parent’s household included mother, father, grandparents, foster or adopted parent, and a sibling. Each family unit is very unique and diverse which can amount to the vast differences between the families. However, there are many aspects that each single family household may have similarities. As a single parent can be more prone to stress and the children are often at a disadvantage when it comes to their mental and emotional health. Men and women who are a single parent family often struggle more than a two parents household because everything is rely on one parent. While single parents can different backgrounds which have lead to the single parent situations such as divorce, death, or other unique arrangements that can result in a change of family dynamics. This paper it will examine the similarities and the differences in families when single parents result from divorce, death and never married
The sociological definition of the family is “a set of people related by blood, marriage or some other agreed-upon relationship, or adoption, who share the primary responsibility for reproduction and caring for members of society” (Schaeffer, 2009, p. 288). While the nuclear family (a man, a woman, and their children) was once the primary definition of family, now it refers to many familial configurations. Single-parent families, blended families, same-sex couples, traditional nuclear families and single-parents who have adopted are just a few of the configurations that society in general now views as a family. A healthy family will provide a place of unconditional love, acceptance and support.
Families are becoming more diverse and they come in all shapes and sizes. Some people consider families to be strictly biological, while others consider people they love to be their family. Although two-parent families, also known as a nuclear family are the majority, one-parent families are becoming more common in today’s society. A sole-parent is considered to be a parent without a partner or spouse who is the primary care giver of one or more children in a household (Ministry of Social Development, 2010). From the age of 14 onward I was raised by m...
The nuclear family is a married man and women who are raising their biological children. It is better known as the common view of a household. In the 1960’s this family, and religious, view was followed by the majority of the people in the United States that if one had to guess they type of family one live with there would be an eighty percent chance that they live in a nuclear family (Luscombe). This image of a family has been engraved into our brains that anything else is unacceptable. However, over the years that view has been altered by single divorce, single parenting, cohabitation, children born out of wedlock, and gay parenting. In fact, the U.S. has seen drastic rise different types of families over the last fifty years (Castelloe).
My motivation to research, discover, and stimulate social change is rooted in my childhood experiences. As a young child I grew up in a household filled with domestic violence, which ultimately ended with the suicide of my father. I subsequently came to know a variation of the typical American nuclear family: a single parent household. As I began to study family dynamics further, I was able to see my life experiences in a broader context. In hindsight, I now realize the impact and weight my own mother had on my personal development. It was through her strength, determination, and optimism that I was able to find the spark within myself to set goals and dreams for my future. She encouraged me never to accept anything at face value, including the way our society attempts to define my womanhood. As a result of this, I now question American culture’s classification of a ‘successful’ family and the factors that determine a ‘stable’ family.
The unit of a family is the most prominent essential for all of us. As social human beings, we seek social support in order to thrive, and that is where family comes into play. A family is where you receive love, support, encouragement, and many other social benefits. The total number of households in the United States increased from 63 million in 1970 to 113 million in 2008 (Weeks, 2012). The family has influenced multitudes of people in many ways. The traditional family in the United States consists two-married individuals providing care and stability for their biological offspring also know as the nuclear family. However, the term of a true family has ultimately changed over the last 50 years especially for African Americans.
Some children may be less fortunate in a two-parent household because only the father or mother is working. Single-parent homes have much stress with one person taken care of multiple children. “Households with two parents tend to have more money and some less tangible benefits, including less stress, more involvement from grandparents and less unexpected change”(Leonhardt). Children growing up in a two-parent home will grow older not knowing how to manage their household because everything done for them. Unlike children growing up in a single-parent home, more than likely being raised by their mother will be easier to them from their experience. Seeing their mother struggle hard but always got things done was a great motivation for both male and female. The boys will grow into looking for a woman that’s hard working like his mother. A female, on the other hand, will feel independent enough to not need any man’s help after watching her mother stay
The family has been referred to as the most vital of the social institutions (Alexander, 2010). The definition of what it means to be a family has evolved over the past several generations. In technical terms, the U.S. Census Bureau defines a family as a group of two or more people residing together related by birth, marriage, or adoption. (U.S. Census, 2010). Categories of families that fit this definition include married couples with and without children, blended families, single parent, and extended family households. Same-sex and unmarried couples with and without children and individuals living alone are not included in this group, though they are a rising segment of the population. The make-up of family and household types at any given time has major consequences for society (Katz & Stern, 2007). Major systems such as economic political, legal, and other social institutions are all impacted by changes in family dynamics. This paper will explore the evolution of the family unit and examine the reciprocal link between this shift and surrounding systems. The relationship between these changes and contemporary systems theory will also be discussed.