American Family and Personal Relationships

Family Structures and modes Family Values Marriage Hot issues Class Activities

husbandwife children Immediate Family Aunts Uncles Cousins Grandparents Extended Family

The classic traditional Family Today breadwinnerhomemaker Only 25% are traditional Married couples without children Single parents and their children Unrelated people living together 25% live alone

Diversity Family mode Traditional Family Blended family Stepfamily Single-parent family Gay or Lesbian Family

The basis of American “Family Values”

The primary purpose is to advance the happiness of individual members. The needs of each individual take priority of the family. Family name and honor are less important and there is less emphasis on the family as an economic unit. Individual freedom

AdvantagesDisadvantages Destroy much of the father’s status as ruler of the family. Lessen the emotional distance between father and children. There is less fear of the father but there is more affection expressed toward him. There is too much democracy in the home. There has been a decline in parental authority and children’s respect for their parents. Some parents seem to have little control over the behavior of their teenage children. The Equality in the Family

Four stages of Marriage Relationships Stage 1 : Wife as Servant to Husband Stage 2 : Husband - Head, Wife - Helper Stage 3 : Husband - Senior Partner, Wife - Junior Partner Stage 4 : Husband - Wife Equal Partners

The no-fault divorce A couple can no longer live happily together; they have irreconcilable differences, and it is neither partner’s fault. ir + reconcile ( v. 调和, 调解 ) + able Adj.

The phenomenon of Cohabitation Do “gay” people have rights?

Group discussion What are the reasons for dating in addition to mate selection? Qualities I want my GF/Bf to have

Pair Work The Lonely Heart’s Column 1. Write a description of a person who wants to find a mate here 2. Move around to introduce yourself and ask informaiton about others 3. Tell the class who do you think is your selection and why? If you fail in finding a proper one, tell us why you cannot.

The Sweet Hearts’ Column Simon 25 Slim, attractive, own house, boat, aircraft and cars. Country and animal lover. Seeks warm, affectionate girl, No reply without photo. Box No. 335

DIVORCED WOMAN, 35, with two children, seeks kind, mature man (40-60) who feels equally lonely. Interests: children, the home, watching TV. Photo please. Box 602.

FEMALE (30) recent convert to badminton/bridge, seeks single, non-smoking males over 5’11”, interested in above, also threatre, cats and Chinese food. Box 100.

MAN AGED 38, tall and slim, writer by profession, feels very lonely, requires female company of any race or religion. Age does not matter. All lettered answered. Box 551.

WHO WANTS A 25-year-old, dark- haired, good-looking, lively woman interested in pop music, driving, clothes, and “living life to the full”? If you are a man aged 25-30, with a similar interest in having a good time, then write with photo (or drawing) to Box 193.

I AM NOT TALL, dark or handsome, but I do have imagination. Is there a girl (18-23) willing to share my dreams? If you like poetry, walking, the simple life, then “this is an offer you can’t refuse”, Box 619.

MANAGING DIRECTOR --- well-educated, late 40s, attractive, high income, recently divorced, wants to meet attractive, slim lady aged 16-30, with or without children. Photo appreciated. Box 307.

ENGLISH BACHELOR, 40, own house, seeks sympathetic woman (18-35) of any nationality for lasting friendship, possibly marriage. Interests: classical music, golf, wine. Photo appreciated. Box 132.