Sec. 4 Changes in Marriage and Family

Blended Family Caused by high divorce rate. A family formed when at least one of the partners in a marriage has been married before and has a child/children from previous marriage. Like the Brady Bunch. Children are one factor in the higher divorce rates among second marriages.

Major Problems for Blended Families Money – Child support ain’t cheap. Stepchildren’s Antagonism – 5 years after divorce, 1/3 of stepchildren continue to strongly disagree with their original parents’ divorce. Freakin kids! Unclear Roles – Is a stepdad, your dad?? Can he discipline you?

Single Parent Families 1 out of every 4 American families is a single-parent family. Usually headed by women, only 10% of children living with one parent, live with their dad or grandfather. Why?? Women win custody Women don’t usually abandon their children.

Effects of Single Parent Families 30% of children live in single parent homes. Adolescents (you) have a higher rate of delinquent activity living in a one parent home. Child care is expensive.

Childless Marriages 19% of married women do not have children (2000). Women may want to pursue a career. Couples may not want to bring a child into a “cruel” world May not be able to have children Could put it off until its too late

Dual-Employed Marriages Both spouses work Women are still expected to handle most household/child-care responsibilities (Sucks) Gives women a life outside the home Two incomes is nice. Fathers are able to spend more time with children.

Cohabitation Living with someone in a marriagelike arrangement without the legal obligations and responsibilites of formal marriage. (sinners!!!) Over ¼ of American adults have cohabited. Only 25% of cohabitation couples stay together more than 4 years. Less commitment than marriage is probably cause. Higher risk of divorce (ask me why I think this)

Same-Sex Domestic Partners 10% of American population (13% of males and 5% of females) It does not matter if you agree of disagree with homosexuality, you still HAVE to respect people.

Single Life Frowned upon (eww…why doesn’t she have a boyfriend???) Lots of people choose to be single. Pursue career 26 million Americans are single and live alone.

Boomerang Kids Adult children who return to live with their parents. Its cheap More people are going to college

The Future!! Over 90% of Americans marry at least once. People have fewer children. And perfect-match.com is making the world a better place. The END