Sociology 210 Unit 4 IP
Abstract
The author of this paper explains the evolution of the family unit through a historical examination which reveals that families have constantly been under pressure to shift with changes in the economy, our values, and even politics. The author explains why she agrees with experts that weakening of the family is one of the causes for some of the problems that plague our society today. She identifies some important and significant changes within the family structure since the 1960’s. Further, she includes factors that are responsible for this change. Finally, she expounds on the balance, and if in fact families are becoming weaker or simply different? She cites evidence to support her claims, and she proposes her opinions on what she feels will strengthen the family.
“We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.” --Virginia Satir, (n.d.)
Attempting to define “Family” may seem to be a simple concept however, there is no simple definition. A family is a group of individuals that share a genetic and legal bond. A union But, for most people family is the symbol of so much more complicated than it may seem. Mayntz, (2006-2013) Yes, I am in agreement with the experts citing that weakening of the family as one of the main causes for some of the problems that society faces today. In the late 1960s and 1970’s divorce rates rose, and unwed mother’s having babies increased, and the average age of first marriages also increased. Reasons for such changes: Wages of employment for women increased, while the wages of employment dropped for men, the economy became weak, mother’s joined the work force to supplement the families income due to the recessed economy, also women had gained
The author of this paper explains the evolution of the family unit through a historical examination which reveals that families have constantly been under pressure to shift with changes in the economy, our values, and even politics. The author explains why she agrees with experts that weakening of the family is one of the causes for some of the problems that plague our society today. She identifies some important and significant changes within the family structure since the 1960’s. Further, she includes factors that are responsible for this change. Finally, she expounds on the balance, and if in fact families are becoming weaker or simply different? She cites evidence to support her claims, and she proposes her opinions on what she feels will strengthen the family.
“We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.” --Virginia Satir, (n.d.)
Attempting to define “Family” may seem to be a simple concept however, there is no simple definition. A family is a group of individuals that share a genetic and legal bond. A union But, for most people family is the symbol of so much more complicated than it may seem. Mayntz, (2006-2013) Yes, I am in agreement with the experts citing that weakening of the family as one of the main causes for some of the problems that society faces today. In the late 1960s and 1970’s divorce rates rose, and unwed mother’s having babies increased, and the average age of first marriages also increased. Reasons for such changes: Wages of employment for women increased, while the wages of employment dropped for men, the economy became weak, mother’s joined the work force to supplement the families income due to the recessed economy, also women had gained
References: Melissa Mayntz, (2006-2013), definition of Family, Retrieved October 30, 2013@http://family.lovetoknow.com/definition-family (McLanahan and Casper, 2001; Coltrane and Collins, 2001).Retrieved October 30, 2013@http://www.splendidlyblended.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4:article-2&catid=1:catcontact&Itemid=8 Macionis, J., J., (2005), Sociology, (10th ed.), Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, Pearson Prentice Hall Retrieved October 30, 2013. http://findpdf.net/documents/John-J-Macionis-Society-The-Basics-11th-Edition.html Zeitlin, M. F. (1995), Strengthening the Family, United Nations University Press. Retrieved October 31, 2013 http://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/945973 National Survey of Families & Households, from University of Wisconsin-Madison Center for Demography and Ecology: Retrieved October 31, 2013@ http://www.ssc.wisc.edu/nsfh/ ChildStats.gov, national indicators of child and family wellbeing from The Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics: Retrieved October 31, 2013@ http://www.childstats.gov/Family Structure-Related Terms.