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On American Family Change Since the Second Half of the Twentieth Century

Author: LiCuiJing
Tutor: QiXin
School: Tianjin Normal University
Course: English Language and Literature
Keywords: family pattern new "alternative" family patterns historical evolution causes for family changes influences of the changes
CLC: K712
Type: Master's thesis
Year: 2010
Downloads: 183
Quote: 0
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Abstract

Since a family is a very important institution in any society, the American family is no exception. Since the second half of the 20th century, under the great social and ideological impact, ties of marriage and family are not as strong as ever. Family patterns have taken a diversity of forms---divorce rate rises sharply, single-parent families appear massively, fertility declines and gay marriage increases. The traditional extended and nuclear families can not attract the young generation, while the new "alternative" family patterns come into people’s sight constantly, such as step-parent family, gay and lesbian family, blended family and cohabitation family. While some people don’t accept any of them, these patterns have actually existed.Indeed, in such a free, diversified and individualistic country, one has every reason to expect that racial, ethnic and cultural differences will lead to a great variety of family patterns. That these new family patterns mainly appeared in 1960s must be pushed by kinds of economic, social and cultural forces. The thesis first describes the evolution of American family system, focuses on studying the features of the new family patterns and explores the causes that result in the emergence of these new forms. This thesis mainly explains the changes from five aspects---economic, political, ideological, legal and social factors and concludes that the change is the result of those causes.In addition, the thesis also discusses the effect of the family changes on the society and individual life. There are different predictions about the future of family system—disorganization or existence for long. The thesis concludes that the American family will exist for a long period because no institution can provide all functions which a family has. This judgment fits the historical development and people’s need and wishes.

On American Family Change Since the Second Half of the Twentieth Century

Abstract

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