Evolution of the Family

Economic and social changes are the result of families evolving. Families are more mobile. Moving to better jobs, climates and opportunities. The number of women working outside the home has increased, however, they still fulfill many of the same functions. Today's family structures are more complex and less traditional than in the past.

Ole and Martha were a typical young family, ready to face the hardships of colonial life. Ole owned a small plot of land when he married Martha, his young bride of sixteen. Martha learned many skills while growing up and was prepared for her new role as wife. She knew how to raise good crops and preserve it for the long winter months. She could spin yarn, weave cloth, and sew garments for every family member. She could make candles and soap. She helped care for younger brothers and sisters at home so she knew about child care. She was ready when her own baby arrived that first year of married life.

Ole and Martha always worked from sunrise to long past sunset on the farm. Many chores needed to be done so a large family was the norm. Ole chopped wood for a fire, while Martha stacked it. He hunted turkey and venison, which she cleaned and prepared for meals. They and their children dug fields, planted seeds, and harvested crops. Eventually they acquired a few farm animals to provide labor, food, hides, and wool for clothing.

Ole and Martha grew up together in the same community. Their families farmed land nearby. Ole visited Martha's home often, helping the men put up a building or harvest crops. Martha went with her mother to help sew quilts and preserve food. When Ole was old enough to get his own farm, he asked for permission to marry Martha. After all, he needed a wife and family to help him survive colonial life.

Families centered around agriculture, worked to obtain and own their own land and worked together to provide the family's needs. Work done by both spouses was necessary for survival. Children were valuable as they helped with farm chores at a very young age. Relatives lived nearby, worked together and helped each other in times of trouble, and celebrated special events together.

Fritz knew that his ancestors had farmed his land for years. His parents wanted him to continue farming, but Fritz heard about good jobs in the big cities. Fritz and his wife, Maria, Moved to the city for a job. Life in the city was very different from what they expected. Fritz found a job in a factory, but it paid less than he hoped. They found an apartment, but the rent took much of his pay. They had to buy food as they no longer had land to raise it. Maria stayed at home and cared for their two small children.

Maria's homemaking skills stretched the money Fritz made. She spent most of her time baking, washing, and ironing. The children's care was almost totally hers. Fritz had little time to spend with the children because he often worked overtime. Maria knew he was working hard to take care of her and the children. Maria missed the times when they worked together on the farm. The children missed helping their father with the chores. She missed being able to walk over to her parents' place to talk or work on a project. She missed her sister who was always eager to help her take care of the children. This new city life had brought many changes to her family.

Many families moved from rural areas to large cities. Families no longer worked for their survival, they worked for other people. Families became dependent on others as they learned to be consumers. No need for large families because people no longer needed them to attend to the farm. Man worked long hours away from their family, therefore, his parenting role was decreased. Mother became full time parent and her full time job became parenting. Support from other family members was no longer there because relatives no longer lived nearby.

Monique finished college and was teaching when she met Andre. They dated for a year before they decided to marry. They both continued to work, saving enough for a down payment on their own home. Their careers kept them both quite busy. They managed their busy schedules by sharing household tasks while working full-time.

When Jackie was born, Monique and Andre were excited to become parents. Monique wanted to spend more time with her newborn so she requested a child- rearing leave for one semester. Monique, not wanting to give up her teaching position, returned to work when Jackie was only six months old. It took some time to adjust to the new schedule, but Andre and Monique shared both household chores and parenting tasks. Andre's mother was delighted to babysit while Monique went to school.

Industries grew, so did the production of goods Jobs were easy to obtain. Families bought cars, and appliances (no more curing of meat, hand washing laundry). Housekeeping became easier with these conveniences, but the demand on family home increased...women worked. Mother's worked needing babysitters, child care assistants, and teachers shared the role of mother. Family members had to share chores. Services became available to handle house hold tasks. Family income increase = the more you earn the more you spend!

Technology changed industrial jobs, machines replaced humans, computers made jobs easier, time and energy for leisure activities became more common. More women obtained college and university degrees = both parents work, both parents should share work at home. Couples divided parenting, child care and housekeeping.