Family Changes

Family Changes

Many experts cite the weakening of the family as one of the causes for some of the problems that society faces today. I agree with the expert’s opinion as the profound changes in the family setting have reshaped the family. Since the 1960s there has been increased divorce rate leading to upsurge in single-parent families which were initially referred to broken homes. Additionally, since 1960, the number of single-woman families has tripled. Cohabitation outside marriage and premarital sex has been on the increase since 1970.

Causes of the changes in Family

            The root cause of the changes in the family is due to sexual revolution in the 1960s which was characterized by openness about sexuality. Sexual revolution characterized by radical changes in “manners and morals” as new meaning about sexuality was portrayed in theaters, literature, movies, fashion and advertising (Amato, 2005). Additionally, the introduction of birth control pill as an effective family control method promoted premarital sex (Amato, 2005). The entertainment industry also acknowledged couples outside marriages and magazines influenced sexual orientation by displaying images of scantily dressed men and women while movies where characterized by virtual sexual acts (Amato, 2005). This led to openness in sexuality which was transferred in active social life.

Additionally, the government was involved in regulating and defining the private sexual behavior of its citizens. For instance, the state legislatures or the courts liberalized laws concerning contraception and sex. For instance, the display of sex in literature, art, and film was ruled as freedom of speech by the Supreme Court in 1957 (Amato, 2005). Additionally, the Supreme Court also amended the laws that prohibited the distribution or prescription of contraceptives, and decriminalized abortion (Amato, 2005).

Education and workforce has also led to the reshaping of the family. For instance, the increased number of employed women has been on the increase due to the high cost of living leading to families opting for other sources of income (Amato, 2005). As a result, women are forced to work so as to support their families. Women have also attained high educational level motivating them to seek employment for fulfillment and intellectual stimulation.  Additionally, women have control over their fertility through abortion and contraception which allow women to work effectively (Amato, 2005). Finally, the feminist ideologies that emerged in the 1960s also led to the transformation of societal expectation of women and awakened women. This is because women’s attitude towards childcare, housework and family roles were altered (Amato, 2005). For instance, the role assumed by women in financially supporting their families led has led to women demanding for their husbands’ participation in housework and childcare.

Families are becoming weaker. According to Amato (2005), people in modern society are likely to live alone, postpone marriages, and engage in sexual activities outside and before marriages than their predecessors. Thus the changes in family structure affects “the cognitive, social, and emotional well being of a child as children with both biological parents differ from children with one biological parents” (Amato, 2005).  I agree with the experts because due to the increased cost of living families do not have consisted woman, man or children as parents are busy at work while children are either at school or with a third party. As a result, parents do not have time to bond or guide their children leading to children acquiring antisocial behavior especially from technology like social media which involves social networking.

Finally, in order to strengthen the family both parents should be encouraged to balance between work and children by creating a work schedule that allows their presence in the family. This will allow parents to monitor their children’s cognitive, social and emotional development. Additionally, the implemented laws and policies should strengthen the family. For instance, requirements should be made for employers to offer parent unpaid leave to care for young children, and also uniform national standard for child-care centers should be implemented by the federal government.

Reference

Amato, P. R. (2005). The impact of family formation change on the cognitive, social, and             emotional well-being of the next generation. The Future of Children, 15(2), 75-96.

 

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