Changes in Family

Changes

Heather W.

Argosy University

Family is considered the most important agent of socialization because it is who you are around the most (Agents of Socialization, n.d.). Your family begins teaching socialization to you as soon as you are born, both intentionally and unconsciously. You learn to socialize and communicate with your parents by using different reactions to get what you want, such as crying, whimpering, facial expressions, moving on to gestures, and eventually talking. Cousins and siblings are said to be some of the first friends you make (Tully, 2014). You begin your social learning with those who you are around most of the time, and in the beginning that is usually your family. Once you are old enough, you then start school (daycare, preschool, etc.) and your social skills continue to grow.

Several dramatic changes to the American family have occurred throughout the years. Back in earlier eras, women tended to stay home and take care of the home, children, and family while the men worked 40 hours a week to provide for their families. Gradually (for various reasons) corporate evolution (and greed) has taken over and now both parents must work well over 40 hours a week in order to barely make enough to provide for their families. Greed has ravaged North America and made family time less important than the almighty dollar.

Marriage has also taken a toll on American families. According to one study marriages of working class men in 2010 were less than 30%, even though most of those men are fathers (Luscombe, 2014). Divorce has also increased dramatically over the last 50 years. At one point in time, young men and women got married and stayed married, now some families don’t even get married, and divorce rates are high, especially for those who are on their multiple marriages. “Men don’t feel they can support a family, and women don’t want to be tied to a man who may be a drag on her already meager income (Luscombe, 2014).” Money is a large factor in relationships, and sociologist Johns Hopkins finds that marriage and the economy are inextricably linked (Luscombe, 2014).

Another dramatic change in American families is now people think that it is better to live with each other for several years before getting married; whereas not too long ago that was considered morally wrong. Due to money issues, and high divorce rates, many people now feel it is better to live together for several years to determine if marriage is right for them. However, many people still get married just because they have kids together, and sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. Some people now think that getting married just because you have a kid together is not a good idea, whereas in recent