Complete the “Topic 5 Marriage and Family Journal” worksheet.

APA format is not required, but solid academic writing is expected.

You are not required to submit this assignment to Turnitin.

SOC-320 Topic 5 Journal Entry.docx

Consider the following assertion: “In the traditional American nuclear family of today, once the couple has one or more children, the wife should not be employed outside the home. Rather, she should devote the majority of her time to child-rearing activities and “being there” for the children. This is the best environment for the development of healthy children in all senses of the word – physically, mentally, spiritually, and socially.”

Alternatively, one could assert something such as this: “In the contemporary American family, it often takes more than one income to provide for the family’s needs. Thus both parents may need or wish to work outside the home. There is little or no evidence to suggest that children who are cared for by qualified, attentive, and nurturing adults in a setting outside the home (e.g., a licensed daycare facility, a friend or a neighbor’s family home, an after-school program) grow up to be somehow disadvantaged or damaged emotionally, mentally, physically, or spiritually.”

Choose one of these two perspectives and write an essay of 750-1,000 words that summarizes the research evidence against that perspective. (Thus if you choose the first assertion above, you will look for evidence that this assertion is not accurate.) You may use the Marriage & Family: the Search for Intimacy text (Chapter 11) and the sources cited in the text, but you also need to use at least three scholarly sources to support your argument.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

You are required to submit this assignment to Turnitin. Refer to the directions in the Student Success Center.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

The traditional and contemporary American family

The traditional American family has undergone a lot of changes over the years. The modern family doesn’t look much like the Leave It to Beaver families of the 1950s. In fact, there are many different types of families in the United States today. This blog post will explore the traditional and contemporary American family. We will look at the changes that have occurred over time and how these changes have affected the structure and function of the family.

The traditional American family

The traditional American family has changed significantly over the past few decades. In the past, families were typically large, with several children and often grandparents living under one roof. Today, families are much smaller and most children live in nuclear households with their parents.

There are a number of reasons for this change. First, the industrial revolution led to a mass migration of people from rural areas to cities, which meant that families were no longer able to rely on extended kin networks for support. Second, the advent of birth control and other contraceptives made it easier for couples to space out their children and have fewer offspring overall. Finally, as women began to enter the workforce in larger numbers, families became more economically independent and therefore less likely to need multiple generations living together in one household.

Despite these changes, there are still many similarities between traditional and contemporary American families. For instance, both typically consist of a married couple with children. Families also continue to be important sources of social support and emotional stability in our society.

The contemporary American family

The traditional American family has changed over the years, but some aspects have remained constant. The nuclear family, consisting of a mother, father, and children, is still the most common type of family in the United States. However, there has been an increase in the number of single-parent families and families with two working parents.

There are also more families with children of mixed races and ethnicities. This diversity is reflective of the changing demographics of the country as a whole. In terms of values, many American families still prioritize hard work and personal responsibility. However, there is more acceptance of different lifestyles and choices than there was in the past.

The changing face of the American family

It is no secret that the American family has undergone a major transformation in recent decades. Gone are the days when families were large, patriarchal, and lived in close-knit communities. Today, families are smaller, more diverse, and often spread out across the country.

This change is largely due to economic and social changes that have occurred over the past few decades. For instance, women have increasingly entered the workforce, which has led to a decline in the traditional nuclear family. In addition, couples are now more likely to delay marriage or have children out of wedlock. As a result, the definition of “family” has become much broader than it was in the past.

Despite these changes, there are still some similarities between traditional and contemporary American families. For instance, both types of families typically involve parents who love and care for their children. In addition, many families still place a high value on marriage and child-rearing.

Overall, it is clear that the American family has undergone a major transformation in recent years. This change is sure to continue as our society continues to evolve.

What’s driving the change in American families?

In recent years, there has been a shift in the American family dynamic. This is due to a number of factors, including increased women’s participation in the workforce, the rise of cohabitation and single-parent households, and the increasing prevalence of divorce.

This change has had a profound impact on American society. The traditional nuclear family is no longer the norm, and families are now more likely to be headed by single parents or cohabiting couples. There are a number of implications of this change, including increased financial pressures on families, changes in child-rearing practices, and shifting social norms.

How is the changing American family impacting society?

The American family has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past few decades. This is largely due to changes in demographics, economics, and social norms.

The traditional American family (consisting of a breadwinning father, homemaking mother, and their children) is now just one of many family types in the United States. According to Pew Research Center, only 46% of households fit this description in 2016, down from 73% in 1960.

This shift has had a number of impacts on society. For one, it has led to an increase in single-parent households. According to Pew Research Center, 26% of American children were living with a single parent in 2016, up from 9% in 1960. This change has been especially pronounced among black and Hispanic families.

Single-parent families are often more economically vulnerable than two-parent families. They are also more likely to experience stress and anxiety, which can have negative consequences for both parents and children.

The changing American family is also having an impact on the workplace. As more women enter the workforce and fewer men occupy traditional breadwinner roles, employers are increasingly accommodating employees with nontraditional work schedules and family responsibilities. This is especially true for low-wage workers, who are often working mothers.

Overall, the changing American family is having a profound impact on society. These changes are likely to continue in the years ahead, as families continue to adapt to shifting demographics, economics, and social norms.

Conclusion

The American family has undergone many changes over the years, from the traditional nuclear family to the more contemporary extended family. While there have been many changes, one thing remains the same: families are still a vital part of American society. Families provide love and support, which are essential for individuals to thrive. No matter what form they take, families will always be an important part of American life.