EXPLORING MARRIAGES AND FAMILY, 2 ND EDITION Karen Seccombe © 2015, 2012 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Chapter 7 Marriage Special Topic: Marriage and Family Trends-- Rejecters, Accepters, and Skeptics

Marriage and Family As you have learned, marriage and families have undergone tremendous changes over the last several decades. The American public is divided in its judgment about these changes. What do YOU believe? © 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Quiz Take this quiz, which will be scored and compared to a nationally representative sample of adults. Are you an “accepter” of changes, a “rejecter,” or a “skeptic”? the-changing-american-family/?src=family- report © 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Research Study The Pew Research Center conducted a survey with a nationally representative sample of 2,691 adults –Were asked whether the following 7 trends to be “good,” “bad,” or “of no consequence” to society…. © 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Seven Trends… 1. More unmarried couples raising children 2. More gays and lesbians raising children 3. More single women having children without a male partner to help raise them 4. More people living together without getting married © 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Seven Trends… 5. More mothers of young children working outside the home 6. More people of different races marrying each other 7. More women not ever having children © 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

How the Public Divides Over Trends Shaping Marriage and Families Accepters are those who say that most trends either make no difference to society or say that most of the trends are good. Rejecters are those who say that most of these changes are bad for society. Skeptics are somewhere in the middle; some changes are good, some are bad, and some make no difference. © 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Public Divide How do these three groups differ with respect to their views about marriage and family? © 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Critical Thinking Questions What type of people are most likely to be “accepters,” “skeptics,” and “rejecters”? –For example do you think there are differences by sex, race or ethnicity, social class, age, or political orientation? If so, why are there differences? © 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Critical Thinking Questions Which group -- “accepters,” “skeptics,” or “rejecters” -- is increasing in size most rapidly, and why? Identify several politicians or other famous persons. In which category would you place them? © 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.