Problems of the family

Family in cross-cultural perspective Murdock study of several hundred societies, 1949: –80 % polygamy –most polygyny; polyandry rare most are patriarchal nuclear family as isolated unit fairly new

Family in historical perspective

What is “traditional” family? Coontz: “the way we never were” –Sentimental –Almost sacred –Breadwinner/housewife –‘natural order’ Davis: in cross-cultural & historical comparison, this type an ‘abberration’ Only upper and middle classes

Problems of “traditional”family “Unnatural” sexuality Prostitution Abandonment

Fifties families The myth: leave it to Beaver, father knows best The reality: –25% poverty rate –’50s family most heavily subsidized in U.S. history –Hidden problems –Stage set for ’60s divorces?

Problems of the late-modern family The need for dual incomes The double shift for women Low levels of social integration (Heiner: 72) Stress and divorce

Problems of the late-modern family: children Child care: Western Europe –Paid maternity leave (even paternity leave) –State-subsidized and regulated day-care –Real anti-poverty programs

Problems of the late-modern family: children in poverty “…a set of social arrangements that allows children to be the most poverty-stricken group in America.” (late Sen. Paul Wellstone)

Children in poverty Popular construction of poverty: it’s their own fault But how can this be with children?

Children in poverty

Children in poverty:data Highest rate of any age group 23% in % : average poor family with children income $8,632 Characteristics: –3/5 “white” –1/3 with married parents –2/3 with parent who works

Children in poverty: effects Poverty increases chances of –Marital instability –Alcoholism –Child abuse Lower IQ and educational attainment are effects, not simply causes of poverty

Children in poverty: policies U.S.: ideology blames the victim (based on stereotypes) Resulting policies have least affect on highest poverty rates among wealthiest countries (Luxembourg Income Study) U.S. “most capitalist” society; connection? –Individualism –Free market

Children having children Isn’t that obviously a problem? Note Heiner shows how the problem has been constructed: oversimplified

Domestic violence Significant numbers: –2% of families (Straus & Gelles, 1986) –Child abuse and neglect reporting system (states); among victims: 54% neglected 23% physically abused 12% sexually abused (U.S. HHS, 2000) Highest rates among low income, single parent households

Domestic Violence: studies Some show women commit as many “violent acts” as men But the most harmful abuse overwhelmingly committed by men

Domestic violence: Baker Shelter assumption: get out! Baker: returning often a rational option for the victim Explain!