Families in the 20 th Century vs. Today

 Industrial Revolution raised the family’s standard of living for most families  A shift in attitude = the family was no longer an economic unit  Men were expected to provide for the family.

 Women were now homemakers who were dependent on the earnings of their husbands.  Work in the home was not looked at as important as work outside the home.  The education and happiness of the children became very important.  The family became child centered.

 The Two World Wars brought a labor shortage.  Women had to join the workforce so their husbands could go battle in the war.  During the Second World War many women took part in the war.  Upon returning, they were not only content to stay at home.  A wider variety of jobs became available with inflation and more affluent life styles, dual career families arose.

 Two factors made enormous changes in the family today:  1. Birth Control: Contraception became acceptable (by society) and reliable.  2. Growth of the women’s (Feminist) movement.  More women are embarking on education and careers.  Less women are willing to sacrifice their whole lives for the sake of the family.  More shared parenting.  The rise of paternal leave!

 Fathers are starting to know their children better.  Families are getting smaller.  Divorces are on the rise.  Different family structures.