Trends in American Family Life Family Living Mrs. Swope Columbian High School

Colonial Days 1600-1775 13 British colonies People married young Lived in small cottages Lived in small villages or on small farms All family members worked the farm

How did the lifestyle affect the colonial family? Close relationship between family members Family members worked for a common goal Family life was centered around the farm or trade Families had to be self-sufficient Family members developed a strong work ethic

Colonial Life

Industrial Revolution 1780-1850 A result of steam- powered machinery Mechanization of the textile industry Trade expansion due to building of roads, canals and railways

Industrial Revolution cont. Families moved off the farm to live and work in the cities Wife: homemaker, laundress, seamstress Husband: worked long hours in factories, or as merchants, or were involved with trade

Industrial Revolution cont. Children: education wasn’t as important, many worked on factories

Industrial Revolution cont. Families living in the city are now farther from extended family New inventions make life easier Pictured is the cotton gin

Second industrial Revolution 1850-1920 Western development partly due to the railroad Families move west seeking a better life Chemical, electrical, and automotive industries are developing

Industrial revolution cont. How does it affect the family? Parenting roles changed: Husbands and wives spend less time together Children spend more time on the dirty, crowded, city streets. Less time spent having fun.

Age of Technology 1920-present Many home appliance are invented Technology has shortened time for chores, increased time for recreation After 1940 many women enter the work force After 1970 most husbands and wives work outside the home

Technology cont. How does it affect the family? Child rearing roles have changed, shared more by both parents Divorce rate has increased resulting in more single parents Other people raising the children Increased communication between family members

Affect on the family cont. Families can travel, vacation together Parents and children have become more scheduled Education becomes a high priority More choices in education