Section Overview
This section delves into the complexities surrounding marriage and family in contemporary society. It begins by examining the historical understanding of family structures, particularly the nuclear family, and highlights its evolution over time. It emphasizes that the traditional nuclear family no longer represents all families in the United States. The rise of single-parent households and the increasing role of stepparents in two-parent homes are explored, along with situations where biological or adoptive parents may be absent, leading to other relatives or non-relatives assuming guardian roles. The socioeconomic impact of parental marital status on children is discussed, acknowledging that children from two-parent homes often experience greater advantages but emphasizing the need for support mechanisms for single-parent households. The section also addresses the increasing prevalence of cohabitation, shifting attitudes towards it, the rise of same-sex couple households, and the legal recognition of these relationships. The importance of inclusive policies and practices to support all types of families is underscored, recognizing the need to address the evolving dynamics of marriage and family in society.
Reading Assignment for Section 6.1
Read the following subsection from our online textbook: Section 6.1: Marriage and Family.
What You Will Learn
In this section, you’ll explore the historical understanding of family structures and how the concept of the nuclear family has evolved in modern society. You’ll examine the dynamics of single-parent households and the roles of stepparents, along with their impact on children’s well-being. Additionally, you’ll learn about the socioeconomic effects of parental marital status on children and the implications of cohabitation and same-sex couple households.
Student Learning Outcomes for Section 6.1
- SLO 1: Analyze the historical understanding of family structures, including the evolution of the nuclear family and its changing representation in contemporary society.
- SLO 2: Examine the rise of single-parent households and the increasing role of stepparents in two-parent homes, considering the impact on family dynamics and children’s well-being.
- SLO 3: Evaluate the socioeconomic impact of parental marital status on children, recognizing the advantages and challenges faced by children from different family structures.
- SLO 4: Discuss the growing prevalence of cohabitation, shifting societal attitudes towards this arrangement, and the legal recognition of same-sex couple households.
- SLO 5: Recognize the importance of inclusive policies and practices that support all types of families and critically analyze societal pressures and expectations related to marriage and family choices.
Modification History File Created: 05/07/2023 Last Modified: 06/26/2023
[Contents]
This work is licensed under an Open Educational Resource-Quality Master Source (OER-QMS) License.
