How Families Have Changed with the Times

Family Relationships: How Roles of Families Have Changed

When the word family comes to mind, what do you think of? I think of a father, mother, children and extended family-such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. Although, historically known as a typical family, nowadays family has a list of different meanings. Growing up, family was always an important part of whom I was and who I would mold my life around. I remember spending most Sundays and all major holidays with my dad’s family, which consisted of my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and a bunch of cousins; sitting around catching up on daily activities, sharing highlights of what’s happening and usually enjoying a big dinner together. Never were we involved much with my mother’s family. The differences between both sides of my families were almost night and day.

The traditional family structure in the United States is considered a family support system involving two married individuals providing care and stability for their biological offspring. (Edwards) With that being said, my definition of family is definitely a traditional one. Although over time, the traditional structure has had to adapt to influential changes. Changes such as divorce, step-families, single-parent families, same-sex marriages, increased interest in adoption are making the new “norm”; while the once “traditional “ family is become almost a thing of the past. “Breadwinners” and “Housewives” are almost something you don’t hear of anymore. Instead “working moms” and “stay-at-home dads” are heard more often than not, as the way families get by. With the increased number of divorces as well as unwed moms and teenage pregnancies, step-families are more common than ever before. Along with step-families, single parent families are becoming increasing more popular.

So why is there been such change in what is considered the family “norm”?

The change in the makeup of the American family is the result of two primary factors, says Martin O’Connell, chief of fertility and family statistics at the U.S. Census Bureau, which collects such figures every 10 years. First, more babies (about a third) are now being born out of wedlock, and second, divorce rates continue to climb so that nearly half of all marriage contracts are broken. (Beam)

With that being said, single parent families and now with gay and lesbian families being recognized, people are looking at the definition of family a lot different.

To me, growing up family had a very traditional meaning. My parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles were all married

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