Changes in Modern Families Free Essay

Restructuring of the Modern Family and Its Impact on the Development of Children

 

The environment in whole and family in particular play a significant role in the development of the personality. Basic norms and standards are instilled when a person is still young and ready to change. In early childhood, children learn how to communicate, install human relationships with others, take care, and so on. However, in many cases, children may face situations which are far from ideal. Those can lead to fear, aggressive behavior, intolerance, and many other negative aspects which can harm the person’s worldview and further existence significantly. Thus, the development of friendly and loving environment at home and community plays a significant role in the development of a whole person who can share their prominent ideas, take care, install communication, and succeed in the modern world.

In the 1950s – 1980s, a normal American family looked like a household where a father, a mother and one or two children live. Those people were connected to each other by marriage and have blood connections. Such family type, sociologists call ‘nuclear family.’ Functional sociologists define a nuclear family as a social group that is characterized by economic cooperation, and common residence. Only a few decades ago, families lived in closely-knit neighborhoods. All family members knew about each other while the social and interaction skills were excellent. In addition, family members were compassionate, affectionate and respected each other (Crosson-Tower, 2009). They understood the way people in a family behaved, their responsibilities and roles.

Unfortunately, such type of a family is difficult to find in the modern society. During those days, the family was a fundamental unit that provided support to its members. For example, the hunters and gatherers had to work collaboratively to eke a living. The extended families were common since they provided strength and reliable networks to family members. However, such definitions and structures have changed today since people do not have time for each other because of their busy schedules.

The changes in a family structure and consequently in the definition of ‘a family’ can be attributed to changes in the roles of women and men during the 20th century. After World War II, secularization took place in the society. It changed societal attitudes and declined stigma. For instance, the triple shift that should be fulfilled by a woman on a daily basis has led to the demand for equality from women. The triple shift entails providing financial support, accomplishing their tasks and providing emotional support. This concept was introduced by Benson when he cited that more women are refuting the stereotypes labeled against them and expect more from marriages (Crosson-Tower, 2009). It highlights the increasing influence of feminism and other women movements that have redefined the meaning of ‘a family’ by shifting the woman’s place in society. Nowadays, the number of working women has increased. Many families consist of relationships of duel-earners. There are cases when a woman is a breadwinner in her family. This has led to a manifestation of equality, but the society still expects women to be the main custodians of domestic chores. This leads to a delay in the development of new definitions of ‘a family.’

Restructuring of a family can also be attributed to current socio-economic trends dictated to the modern society by the mass media. As it is known, mass media plays an integral role in shaping people’s attitudes and opinions. Moreover, the TV has increasingly made family members lazy. Due to media depictions of the modern family, there has been an increase in the number of divorces and single parents raising their children. Family life has further become more complicated because of the high rates of divorce, reconstitute families, co-habitation and remarried families. All these are attributed to the diverse pathways than in the past. Moreover, the idea of a family has undergone radical changes in the last 100 years, particularly the attitudes towards family (Crosson-Tower, 2009). The society has increasingly developed a more relaxed attitude about family. It implies that it is not unusual to find complicated family structures. For instance, the reconstituted family structure has been openly embraced unlike before when it appeared as unacceptable. Today, family structures are not limited to the extended and nuclear structures, but the society has also accepted the same-sex, single parent and cohabiting family structures. The changes have been facilitated by changes in attitudes, laws, expectations, and technology.

As a social worker, who grew up in a nuclear family, I always expect people to be supportive and ready to help their family member. However, time and experience have shown that it is not always like that. In many cases, I must think critically, be able to listen to others (patients and their family members) before making conclusions and disclose information. Unfortunately, not all the changes taking place in modern society are for better. Thus, each person must be able to face a challenge of constant need in thinking critically before making a decision.

References

Crosson-Tower, C. (2009). Exploring Child Welfare A Practice Perspective (7th ed.). Pearson. ISBN 0134547926, 9780134547923

The terms offer and acceptance. (2016, May 17). Retrieved from

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016.

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

freeessays.club (2016) The terms offer and acceptance [Online].
Available at:

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]
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