Chapter 11Chapter 11

Marriage and the Family in the USAMarriage and the Family in the USA

Marriage and the Family Marriage and the Family in the USAin the USA

Traditional Definition of the Family:Traditional Definition of the Family:

Social Change Definition of the Family:Social Change Definition of the Family:

Family Change Perspective;Family Change Perspective;

The Family Decline Perspective;The Family Decline Perspective; David PopenoeDavid Popenoe

The UpdateThe Update

The Changing American households The Changing American households (University of Chicago study, 1999)(University of Chicago study, 1999)

married couples with children in 1998 – married couples with children in 1998 – 26% 26% 1970 – 45%1970 – 45% with kids under 18 years 1998 – 36%with kids under 18 years 1998 – 36% with kids under 18 years 1970 – 50%with kids under 18 years 1970 – 50%

56% of adults married – 199856% of adults married – 1998 75% of adults married – 197275% of adults married – 1972 Unmarried couples with no kids in 1998 – Unmarried couples with no kids in 1998 –

33%33% Unmarried couples with no kids in 1972 – Unmarried couples with no kids in 1972 –

15-16%15-16%

Marriage and the FamilyMarriage and the Family

Functions of the family in Sweden:Functions of the family in Sweden: Two types of families:Two types of families:

Nuclear family – family of orientation and family of Nuclear family – family of orientation and family of procreationprocreation

Extended family – ConsanguineExtended family – Consanguine

Rules of descent: matrilineal (the Nayar family), Rules of descent: matrilineal (the Nayar family), bilineal, patrilinealbilineal, patrilineal

Rules of Residence: matrilocal, patrilocal, Rules of Residence: matrilocal, patrilocal, neolocalneolocal

Family Authority:Family Authority: matriarchal, patriarchal, egalitarianmatriarchal, patriarchal, egalitarian

Number of marriage mates:Number of marriage mates: MonogamyMonogamy PolygamyPolygamy

Polygyny (man and multiple wives)Polygyny (man and multiple wives) Polyandry (woman and multiple husbands)Polyandry (woman and multiple husbands)

Todas and Maraquesan IslandersTodas and Maraquesan Islanders

Theoretical Analysis of FamilyTheoretical Analysis of Family The Conflict Perspective: Randall CollinsThe Conflict Perspective: Randall Collins

DivorceDivorce

Demographic features:Demographic features: Age, SES, Race, Religious AffiliationAge, SES, Race, Religious Affiliation

ReasonsReasons Divorce laws – covenant marriageDivorce laws – covenant marriage ContraceptivesContraceptives Women in labor forceWomen in labor force

Welfare AssistanceWelfare Assistance Changes in attitudesChanges in attitudes Culture of divorceCulture of divorce American cultureAmerican culture

Effects:Effects: