History of the Family Familial mode of production Hunting/gathering Agricultural Early America Labor market mode of production Industrialization Modern American family American ethnic groups 20th century

Familial Mode of Production (Historical) Families served most societal functions, including economic production Family as basic unit of social organization

Hunting and Gathering Societies: Survival was main concern Cooperation was necessary Men hunted in groups Women cared for children, gathered food, processed game Little differentiation Roles not valued differently

Agricultural Societies Improved food production: job specialization private property Money economy Paid work got higher status Women and men worked together Men participated in public life Women and children were men’s property

American Indian Families Primary units were tribes Based on lineage (matrilineal, patrilineal) Children cared for by community Tribe as extended family Passed on traditions thru stories, teaching

European Colonists’ Families Performed public services Education Health care Corrections Orphanages Nursing homes Poor houses Children were economic assets High child mortality, large families Little privacy or private life

Labor Market Mode of Production (Recent) Families serve fewer societal functions Economic production more formalized Family as basic unit of reproduction, consumption Emotional bond replaces economic contract or duty

Industrialization Removed work from home Increased value of education Separated men’s and women’s work Increased value of education Lengthened childhood dependency Increased cost of children Raised standard of living, aspirations Shifted economic production away from families Family formation as personal choice

“Modern” American Family: 1776 to 1900 Individualism— increased choice Marriage based on respect, affection Children as vulnerable Family size declined Parental authority eroded

“Modern” American woman: Worked inside the home Thought to bring out best in husband Ideal woman was: Pure, spiritual Submissive to man Domestic

Working class families In 1900, 15% of population born in other countries Long hours, low wages Crowded, unsanitary living conditions Breadwinner-homemaker not possible Children worked for pay Wives worked in home: laundry, piecework, took in lodgers

African-American Families Maintained strong ties to kin Children before marriage Women worked Organized by lineages Gutman: slaves often married for life; kept track of extended family

Mexican-American Families Landowners and farmer-laborers U.S. acquired southwestern area Mexicans forced into segregated neighborhoods (barrios). Other Hispanic groups (Cubans, Puerto Ricans) had different experiences

Asian Families Patrilineal heritage Emphasis on loyalty Arranged marriages Japanese internment (WW II) Immigration Act (1965) changed restrictions placed yearly quota Different groups had different experiences

Rise of the Private Family: 1900-1930 More premarital sex Fewer births Rise in marriage rate Greater emphasis on emotional satisfaction Marriage became less necessary

The Great Depression Divorce rate fell Postponement of marriage and childbearing 1 in 5 never had children (1 in 10 norm) Possibly more abortions Children helped out by working

1940’s - 1950s WWII – women entered labor force – temporarily Post-war economic boom – early marriage Baby boom - renewed emphasis on marriage, children High point of breadwinner-homemaker model

1960s and Beyond Birthrate plunged – “Contraceptive Revolution?” Changing opportunities for women? Marriage 4-5 years later than before Young people wanted independence Divorce rate doubled 1960s–70s Cohabitation—1970s Wives, mothers working outside home

Transition over time from: “F”amily Extended Powerful Context for life Social, financial support Based on economics, obligation To “f”amily Conjugal Weaker Isolated from society More freedom Voluntary, based on emotional bond