HD 4: Child, Family, & Community Lecture Notes Instructor: Gail Salata Chapter 3 (Berns)

Family (77) “Any two or more persons related by birth, marriage, or adoption, who reside together.”—Bureau of the Census, updated definition “A social group characterized by common residence, economic cooperation, and reproduction. It includes adults of both sexes, at least two of whom maintain a socially approved sexual relationship, and one or more children, own or adopted, of the sexually cohabitating adults”—Murdock 1962

Family Facts A family is a microsystem. As society changes, so does the form and function of the family. In CA, a family can register for a certificate that declares the household an association which gives rights and privileges in case of emergencies, etc. The main function of the family is support.

What happens if the family doesn’t provide support? If the family is not there for support, people will turn to friends, neighbors, co-workers or anybody else in their personal network.

Types of Families (77-79) Nuclear: a family consisting of a husband, wife, and their children Extended Family: relatives of the nuclear family who are economically and emotionally dependent on each other. They may or may not live nearby. Some cultures place great emphasis on the extended family.

Types of Families Continued (79-80) Matriarchal family: the mother’s side of the family has the formal authority and dominance. (Ex: Royal Family) Patriarchal family: the father’s relatives have the formal authority and dominance. (Ex: families in the Bible) Egalitarian family: both sides of the extended family are generally regarded as equal (Ex: most U.S. families)

Kin Custody Children being raised by relatives other than parents Approximately 6% of children under age 18 are being cared for by grandparents and 3% by other relatives Median age is 53 Many challenges

Families of Adopted Children It is recommended that adoptive parents tell the child about the adoption is a way the child can understand based on age and maturity. In the teen years when children are forming their identity, the adopted child may face more complex issues.

Dual Earner Families It is best when mom is satisfied with her career and does not feel guilty…then similar relations with children as non working moms. Employed moms have kids with less stereotyped views of gender roles. Daughters received more attention from working moms and sons received more from non-working moms.

Dual Earner Families Continued Maternal employment is not related to development. Teen children of employed moms are better adjusted socially and get along better with family and friends.

Functions of the Family (83)  Reproduction  Socialization/Education  Assignment of Social Roles (Behavior and Obligations)  Economic Support (Shelter, Nourishment, and Protection)  Emotional Support (Providing First Experience with Social Interaction)

Changes in the Family  Economic Function  Socialization/Educational Function  Nurturance/Support Function  Reproductive Function  Assignment of Social Roles  Authority Patterns/Role Expectations

Reflection Moment Write down your predictions of the top ten stresses to the American family.

Top Ten Family Stresses (1985) Economics Children’s Behavior Insufficient Couple Time Lack of Shared Responsibility in the Family Communicating With Children

Top Ten Family Stresses (1985) Insufficient “Me” Time Guilt For Not Accomplishing More Spousal Relationship Insufficient Family Play Time Over Scheduled Family Calendar

Symptoms of a Stressful Family Common sense of tension and urgency No relaxation or down time Short tempers, short words, sibling fighting, and misunderstandings. Urge to escape Feelings of frustration over not getting things done

Other Symptoms of a Stressful Family Feeling time is passing too quickly Nagging desire for simple times Little time for self or spouse Pervasive sense of guilt for not being and doing everything for everyone in your life

Divorce There is an increase in the proportion of children living with only one parent. Single moms raising children 23%, single dads 5% The divorce rates have risen and so have remarriage rates. Custodial parents double their responsibilities. Many men do not continue support after the divorce. Most divorces happen within the first 10 years for both first marriages and first remarriages.

What Do The Stats Say? 50% of first marriages end in divorce 60% of second marriages end in divorce. 80% of divorced adults will remarry within 3 years of a divorce.

Divorce and the Economic Impact While divorce improves the economic position of husbands, it reduces that of women and children in 90% of the cases. The husband’s standard of living improves by 42 % and the wife’s declines by 73 % after divorce. Single moms raising children has increased to about 23%.

Divorce and the Financial Aspect Today, most assets are divided equally but the woman shares her half with her children and the husband retains the intangible assets (education, career, pension, etc.) Children who live in mother only homes have almost a 50% chance of being in poverty vs. a 10% chance in two parent families.

Other Changes From Divorce Consumption and housing Distribution of authority Consistency, control, and affection Domestic functions Relatives often can’t be called upon for help as much and emotional support decreases

What Happens With Dads That Have Primary Custody? There isn’t as much research. They use additional caregivers more than moms with custody. Father custody children have more contact with moms than mom custody children have with dads. The number of single fathers raising children has increased to about 5%.

Types of Families After Divorce Binuclear family: Children are part of two homes and two groups. This encourages more support payments and sharing of responsibilities. Younger children can be harmed by the continual separation and reattachment.

Stepfamilies Estimated one out of 3 Americans is now a stepparent, stepchild, or stepsibling. The impact of remarriage on a family is second only to the crisis of divorce. Disengagement is most common parenting style Divorce is most likely in remarried families during the first five years.

Stepparents All kinds of institutions need to adapt. No legal rights. Often have unrealistic expectation of instant love. Often are less active role in parenting. Younger children and older teens are most likely to accept the stepparent. Families in which both bring children from a previous marriage tend to have the most behavior problems. At least 50% will have a child between them.

Which children suffer the most?  Boys are usually hit the hardest.  Children in custody battles are hit hard.  A possible long term effect for both genders of children is a lack of a healthy marriage model.

Who has the hardest time? There is more resistance and poorer adjustment for families in which the father remarries and a step mother joins the family. Families with both parents bringing children from a previous marriage have the most trouble. Birth order shifts overnight. At least 50% will have to deal with a new sibling. Children between the ages of 9 and 15.

The effects of remarriage depends on: The presence of additional stressors The age, developmental status and sex of the child The quality of the child’s relationship with the biological parents The quality of the relationship with the stepfamily The temperament and personality Social supports Parenting styles

Divorce Facts Boys exhibit more anti social behavior after the divorce but two years later they are no different than those from non-divorced families. Children are better off when both natural parents had close relationships with them.

Reflection Moment What do you think are the characteristics of successful families?

Characteristics of functional Families (112) Display of love and acceptance Communicativeness Cohesiveness Communication of values and standards Ability to cope effectively with problems