1. Chapter 11
The Changing Family

2. Defining Family A family is a relationship in which people:
Live together with commitment
Form an economic unit
Care for the young
Consider the group critical to their identity
Traditional family based on kinship:
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3. Defining Family Prior to industrialization extended family was common:
Network of people based on common ancestry, marriage or adoption
Prior to industrialization extended family was common:
But today in industrial society most are nuclear families
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4. Current Views on the Family
Family today has changed from family of the past:
Marriage is no longer a cultural imperative
Cohabitation
The family is adapting to societal changes:
And people remain committed to marriage as evidenced by serial monogamy
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5. Figure 11.1 U.S. Household by type, 1970 and 2010
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6. Singlehood Singlehood continues to increase in U.S.
Reasons people choose singlehood:
Greater freedom from commitment
More career opportunities
Desire for self-sufficiency and freedom to change
Some people are involuntarily single:
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7. Singlehood Varies greatly by race and ethnicity By necessity
Many more African American males and females have never been married compared to whites
By necessity
Economic reasons prevents many young, working-class people from marrying because:
They can’t afford to set up their own household
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8. Postponing Marriage Median age for first marriage has increased
Reasons for postponing marriage:
Economic uncertainty; concern about divorce
Women increasing participation in labor force
Sexual relationships outside marriage are more acceptable; contraception more effective
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9. Cohabitation and Domestic Partnership
Two unmarried adults living together in a sexual relationship without legal marriage
Some times a step in the dating process
Mixed results on it’s relationship to marital success
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10. Cohabitation and Domestic Partnership
Domestic Partnerships
A legal move by states to allow some people similar rights and benefits as married couples
Common among gay and lesbian couples who can’t legally marry in most states:
Although preference is still for same sex marriage which accords more rights to the couple
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11. Dual-Earner Marriage
Marriages in which both spouses are in the labor force
More common among minority families
Many women in these marriages end up doing the “second shift”
Women do about 1 extra month more of work each year than their husbands
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12. Two Parent vs. Single Parent Homes
A very conflicted 2 parent home is worse than a supportive single parent home
Effects of a single parent household on children
Negatives
Positives
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13. Child Related Family Issues
Reproductive freedom:
Very controversial topic related to contraceptive use as well as abortion
Has both personal and social consequences.
Infertility and Reproductive Technologies:
Many new technologies to help them, but don’t always work
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15. Teen Pregnancy
The teen birthrate is higher in the U.S. than any other high-income nation
Largest increase in African American girls
Likely to drop out of school
Have no social support outside of family
Children from teen moms have limited opportunities
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16. Figure 11.2 U.S. Birthrate for Women Aged 15-19 Years by Race/Ethnicity 2005-2009
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17. Divorce and Remarriage
We have a high rate of divorce in the U.S.
Factors affect likelihood of divorce
Race and ethnicity
Even though divorce rates are high:
Remarriage rates are also high in the U.S. creating many blended families
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18. Domestic Violence Child Abuse: Spouse Abuse:
Neglect that is physical, mental, sexual or negligent treatment of a child under 18
Much remains hidden unless serious injury/death
Spouse Abuse:
Historically it was ignored and tolerated
Women more likely to be victims
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19. Perspectives on Family
Functionalist and Conservative
Family provides social order and economic stability
Family is the solution to many societal problems
Dysfunctional families threaten well-being of individuals and society
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20. Perspectives on Family
Conflict and Feminist
Family as a major source of inequality and conflict
Family reproduces inequality that exists in larger society
Reinforces patriarchy and female subordination
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21. Perspectives on Family
Symbolic Interactionists
Focus on how family members play their diverse roles
Problems occur because:
Men & women experience marriage differently
Unrealistic expectations about love and marriage
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