The Future of the Family 13 The Future of the Family Laura MacIntyre

The Future of the Family Is the institution of the family doomed or in decline? Or are there merely social changes and challenges just as there have always been throughout history? There has been an overall decline in the number of American children born since the baby boom But there have also been different family opportunities with the expansion of civil rights and a growing acceptance of diversity (interracial marriage, gay and lesbian rights, etc.). This chapter concludes the textbook with a review of the themes of diversity, inequality, and social change in relation to the family. There is an overall discussion of change and Cohen’s response to change within the family.

The Future of the Family: Diversity There are many forms of diversity, not just as it applies to race/ethnicity. Diversity exists in many areas of family life.

The Future of the Family: Social Diversity Diversity simply means difference or variance. Sociologists focus on difference among people and social diversity. Social diversity affects all individuals whether it is recognized by them or not. Individuals notice whether they see people like themselves or people who are different.

The Future of the Family: Social Diversity Definition The condition of difference in experiences or characteristics of people in a population The construction of social categories is very important in society. Categories of similarity and difference help us to understand the social world. Social diversity depends upon how many and the types of categories are used to describe other people and ourselves. Diversity can be divisive (and lead to conflict over differences) or liberating (allowing individuals to express themselves more). Sociologists (of the family) study diversity and the processes of social differentiation because it has important implications for the future of families.

The Future of the Family: Diversity Index The condition of difference in experiences or characteristics of people in a population Diversity can be thought of by its theoretical extremes: Conditions under which there is no diversity (where everyone is the same) Conditions under which there is complete diversity (where everyone is different) The range of diversity can be described with a single number – the Diversity Index. A diversity index gives us a calculated number that tells us the probability of the difference between the characteristics of two random people (Haughton & Mukerjee, 1995).

The Future of the Family: Race and Ethnicity Diversity Race and Ethnicity Immigration and growing racial-ethnic populations in the United States Latin America and Asia Immigrants and the children of immigrants have higher rates of marriage and childbearing (higher fertility rates). Different childbearing patterns and family dynamics within and across racial-ethnic groups Many immigrants are young, healthy, and ambitious and are ready and able to have children. Countries of origin, cultures that encourage more children than the United States Social and cultural expectations to have many children, but then there are the reality and economic pressures of the contemporary economy Fertility rates affect composition of diversity in relation to other population groups Immigration policy and politics

The Future of the Family: Religion Diversity Race and Ethnicity Religion Religious identity is important for families. Religious traditions and practices can impact how people behave and interact to a very large extent. This extends to traditions and practices within and between families. Religion can affect every stage of family life.

The Future of the Family: Religion at Birth Diversity Race and Ethnicity Religion At Birth Religious birth-related customs include the traditional Jewish practice of circumcision and Christian baptism (in some denominations) .

The Future of the Family: Religion at Marriage Diversity Race and Ethnicity Religion At birth At Marriage Religion can influence may details of marriage, including choice of spouse and wedding ceremony. Marriage is an important stage in the life course of the adult. It can be a time when religious heritage is reaffirmed.

The Future of the Family: Religion as Parents Diversity Race and Ethnicity Religion At Birth At Marriage As Parents There are many religious-based parental practices, such as corporal punishment and modeling appropriate behavior and values.

The Future of the Family: Religion at End of Life Diversity Race and Ethnicity Religion At birth At Marriage As Parents End of Life There are many religious family and community rituals involving funerals, interment (burial), and so forth.

The Future of the Family: Paths and Types Diversity Race and Ethnicity Religion Family Paths and Types Increasing diversity in the structure of the family Also increasing diversity in the ways in which families are created and formed The end of the 1950s marked a time of transition for family types and the paths taken to create these family types. In the 1950s, the great majority of heterosexual Americans married early, lived in isolated nuclear families, and had more children (relative to today’s standards). These family formations still exist, but they are not as common. There is much more diversity (more extended households, single-parent families, individuals living alone, etc.). There are many different family types and there is also a lot of inequality between the different family types.

The Future of the Family: Inequality Diversity Inequality The rise of economic inequality in the last 50 years is one of the most significant social developments we face (Stiglitz, 2013). There is a bigger gap between rich and poor families. The middle class experiences more insecurity. Cohen describes four types of inequality that pose significant challenges for individuals and families (outlined in the next four slides): between families within families from generation to generation for people with no family These four types of inequality have implications for the future of the family.

The Future of the Family: Inequality Between Families Diversity Inequality Between Families The (modern) increase in individuality has affected families, but not equally. One major factor that contributes to inequality between families is education and educational levels. Individuals with less education are less likely to get married. Individuals with college degrees are more likely to get married. Those with college degrees are also more likely to get married to others with college degrees and to stay married. College-educated wives are also more likely to be employed than in the past. The result is more bifurcation between families with two high-income earners and families with one low-income earner. People with less education also tend to have more children. High-income two-parent families have more resources to devote to each individual child.

Inequality Between Families: Median Family Income This figure shows the median family income in families with children, by family type, from 1974 to 2012. Source: U.S. Census Bureau historical income tables. This figure shows the gap between (usually) high-income married-couple families compared with (usually) low-income single-parent families. High-income (married) couple families tend to have fewer children and more money to invest in them. There is a growing gap in the ability of diverse family types to care and educate their children.

The Future of the Family: Inequality Between Families (Health) Diversity Inequality Between Families Health Income is not the only contributing factor or indicator of inequality. There are other assets and advantages that contribute to inequality between families. Health is an important aspect of well-being in families, and the health of an individual is connected to the type of family in which he or she lives. For example, there is a large body of research that demonstrates that married people are healthier than those who are not married (Bianchi et al., 2004)/

The Future of the Family: Inequality Between Families (Time) Diversity Inequality Between Families Health Time The use and allocation of time is another resource that can create disparities and inequality between family types. Individuals with many family members can combine resources and divide tasks. This can free up time for employment or more time with children, for example (Cohen, 2002). Time is a dimension of social inequality that is difficult to measure but is very important, especially when it comes to issues of the family.

Inequality Between Families: Time Spent Caring for Children This figure shows the time spent primarily doing activities that involve care for dependent children, among mothers of children under age 1, from 2003 to 2007. Source: Drago (2009).

The Future of the Family: Inequality Between Families (Social Acceptance) Diversity Inequality Between Families Health Time Social Acceptance Level of social acceptance is also difficult to measure but important to family structure. Individuals can experience social stigma or isolation as a result of their family structure. This can lead to many severe social problems. There are still common stigmas and stereotypes around certain family types (same sex couples, foster parents, single parents, etc.).

The Future of the Family: Within Families Diversity Inequality Between Families Within Families The second type of inequality that challenges individuals and their families is within families. But not every type of inequality is increasing. Inequality within families is actually decreasing (now lower than 50 years ago). This is mostly because women make more income by working more hours at higher paying jobs than in the past (Blau & Kahn, 2000). Housework and child care are now shared more equally than in the past (Sayer, Cohen, & Casper, 2004). And the preferential treatment of sons over daughters within families has decreased (Raley & Bianchi, 2006). But not everything within families is completely equitable, and family equality is still a concern for the future. In general, men still earn more income and work longer hours than women. Women have lower earning power than men and career opportunities are still more limited. Women still do a larger portion of housework and child care These factors still contribute to some inequality within families.

The Future of the Family: Generation to Generation Diversity Inequality Between Families Within Families From Generation to Generation Families used to be more limited in terms of social class and social class mobility, especially before modern capitalism. Family practices such as arranged marriage and primogeniture contributed to reproducing class status within families from generation to generation. Family class status and background still have an important influence today. But more opportunity for social class mobility was created for many individuals during the period of rapid industrial growth in the United States. However, after the 1970s, the chance for social mobility began to decrease again. The United States still clings to the myth of the Protestant work ethic and the American Dream, but the it now has lower levels of social mobility than other comparably developed countries (Beller & Hout, 2006.)

The Future of the Family: No Families Diversity Inequality Between Families Within Families From Generation to Generation No Families Most of the data in this text is about families and individuals within families. But there are those individuals without families . Social scientists and policy makers need to take these arrangements into consideration. These situations can also provide important information to sociologists about family structure and the place of the family in society. Situations where individuals may be without families include foster care, adoption, and so on. They also include other family forms that are impacted by other social and legal forces (same-sex couples, families torn apart by immigration, elders living alone, etc.). And they also include families whose choices are constrained by harsh demographic realities (mortality, joblessness and incarceration impacting African American marriage, etc.). Future family policies need to take into consideration these changing family forms.

The Future of the Family: Social Change Diversity Inequality Social Change The family is affected by social change from within and from without. Some changes are sudden and more recent; some have been slower and ongoing. Studying the family involves looking at these changes and changing trends. There are both demographic and cultural changes.

The Future of the Family: Aging and Fertility Diversity Inequality Social Change Aging and Fertility The demographic perspective focuses on how family processes impact the larger society (from Chapter 1).

The Future of the Family: Demographic Transition Diversity Inequality Social Change Aging and Fertility Demographic Transition For family studies, the biggest modern change occurred in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, when the world experienced the demographic transition.

The Future of the Family: Demographic Transition Definition Diversity Inequality Social Change Aging and Fertility Demographic transition: the historical change from a society with low life expectancy and high birth rates to one with high life expectancy and low birth rates This transition describes a long, general process of social and historical change. Not all societies experienced this transition in the same way or at the same time. But it is a defining feature of modern society (Kirk, 1996). Before this transition, there were high rates of infant mortality (and mortality in general). This, in turn, spurred higher birth rates (births to replace the deaths). Families needed many children for labor. Mortality rates started to decline because of improved sanitation, clean water, improved medical practices, and so on. Child mortality in particular started to decline, and parents began having fewer children per family. The smaller number of children in each family contributed to slower population growth overall.

The Future of the Family: Age Structure Diversity Inequality Social Change Aging and Fertility Age Structure These demographic shifts created a long-term change in the age structure of the population.

The Future of the Family: Age Structure Definition Diversity Inequality Social Change Aging and Fertility Age structure: The relative number of people of each age in a population The most common way of visualizing the age structure is with a population pyramid (a graph that shows how many people there are at each age). When there is a high birth rate and a high mortality rate, the resulting figure resembles a pyramid shape. When there is a lower birth rate and a lower mortality rate, the figure looks more like a column or pillar.

Social Change: Percent Distribution of Population by Age and Sex This figure depicts a population pyramid and shows the percent distribution of population by age and sex, as of 1900, 1950, and 2000. Source: Hobbs and Stoops (2002). Note the decrease in percentage of children under the age of 5 (this number decreased from the years 1900 to 2000). There are two major consequences of the demographic transition: Because there are fewer children per family, society invests more in each child (and children are viewed more as valuable individuals). There is an increase in the number of elderly people in society.

Social Change: Percentage of Total Population Age 65 and Older This figure shows the percentage of total population age 65 and older, 1910–2010, with projection to 2060 Source: Cohen’s analysis of 1910–2010 U.S. Census historical data from IPUMS (Ruggles et al., 2014); U.S. Census (2013). This demographic transition could potentially create economic challenges if we continue to structure our economy according to pretransition conditions. For example, at what age should individuals leave the workforce? Increasing (healthy) life expectancy is changing the ways in which we view work and retirement. Cohen identifies this as one of the trends that is allowing society to accommodate the demographic transition. In fact, there are two trends that have emerged which allow society to accommodate the demographic transition (next two slides): individuals leading longer, healthier lives the rising labor force participation of women

The Future of the Family: Labor Force Participation of Women Diversity Inequality Social Change Aging and Fertility The Rising Labor Force Participation of Women More women are now working in the formal labor sphere for pay. Overall, women are generating more income and savings and contributing more to the formal economy. This includes women 55 years and older.

Social Change: Percentage of People Age 55 and Older Who Are Not in the Labor Force This figure shows the percentage of people age 55 and older who are not in the labor force, 1950–2010. Source: Cohen’s analysis of decennial census and American Community Survey data from IPUMS (Ruggles et al., 2014).

The Future of the Family: Longer Healthy Life Diversity Inequality Social Change Aging and Fertility The Rising Labor Force Participation of Women Longer, Healthy Life Individuals are not just living longer. Individuals are living a more healthy life for a longer period of time. Individuals are more able and willing to defer retirement. The federal government is also in raising the age of retirement (and eligibility for Social Security benefits). However, we still face the challenge of caring for a growing, aging demographic sector of older people (the oldest old). This has implications for future public policy decisions.

The Future of the Family: Modern Identities Diversity Inequality Social Change Aging and Fertility Modern Identities Demographic changes are connected to cultural changes, including the ways in which individuals construct their identities and think about family life. This is not a simple, linear process of change, but there are some overall all trends that can be generalized and/or explained with modernity theory. There have always been individual people, but the modern era has created a sense of individual identity or a sense of individualism. This is a historically new development specific to the modern era. To recap from Chapter 1, modernity has created the individual identity of the citizen in the state arena; the individual identity of the worker and consumer in the market arena; and the individual family member with free will who is able to make personal family choices in the family arena. Cohen describes this freedom of choice as taking several forms (explained in the next three slides): diversity and choices; evaluating and reflecting live and let live? These features of modern identity and individualism impact, not only our own personal decisions, but also how we think and evaluate the social changes we observe.

The Future of the Family: Diversity and Choices Inequality Social Change Aging and Fertility Modern Identities Diversity and Choices The variety of family forms and the individual family choices people make in the modern era have become increasingly diverse. There are a greater number of lifestyle choices. There is also a greater acceptance of a greater number of lifestyle choices. With increasing social diversity, there are many more models and examples for families to emulate (which in turn creates even more change).

The Future of the Family: Evaluating and Reflecting Diversity Inequality Social Change Aging and Fertility Modern Identities Diversity and Choices Evaluating and Reflecting Individuals who face the changes stemming from diversity are now thinking more about the family and its structure. Individuals are also justifying the choices they make as well.

The Future of the Family: Live and Let Live? Diversity Inequality Social Change Aging and Fertility Modern Identities Diversity and Choices Evaluating and Reflecting Live and Let Live? There is a cultural expectation that each individual is free to make his or her own choices when if comes to decisions regarding the family. There is also the cultural expectation that free will and individualism should not be restricted too much (to some extent) by the state. The state has become increasingly less restrictive with regard to family choices (interracial marriage, adoption, reproductive technology, etc.). People increasingly expect the state arena to be separate from the family arena . However, this separation is not complete or universal, as exemplified in the debate over the legality of same sex marriage.

The Future of the Family: Family Change Diversity Inequality Social Change Responses to Family Change The family is a resillient institution continues to evolve and change, particularly with regard to diversity, inequality, and social change.

Responses to Family Change: Attitudes Toward Growing Family Diversity There is a wide variety of responses to family change in culture and politics. Responses can be both formal and informal. Formal responses are more organized and include political responses such as lobbying, election campaigning, lawsuits, and so on. Informal responses consist of individual attitudes, social acceptance, criticism, and so on. This figure shows the attitudes toward growing family diversity as of 2010. This figure also shows the variations in attitudes toward changes in family diversity according to age, religion, and political affiliation. Source: Cohen’s analysis of data from Pew Research Center (2010). Cohen identifies the three main attitudes toward social change (described in the next three slides): Change is bad (conservative). Change is okay (liberal). Change is good (critical).

Responses to Family Change: Conservative Conservative: The Singular Ideal The singular ideal is that married couples must be male and female and children should be the biological offspring of the married couple. Promotes conformity instead of diversity This family arrangement should be reinforced through regulation, policies, and laws. There are those who hold this position. Opposed to the major trends of the last 50 years (same-sex marriage, no-fault divorce, cohabitation, unwed parenthood, etc.) Represents the decline of the family Similar to structural functionalist orientation Expressed by politically conservative Americans Two major branches to this line of thinking (representing two motivations for opposing the family diversity mode)l: religious, mandated by God The nuclear family is more functional (in line with the thinking of Talcott Parsons) and superior to other family forms. These two groups are not mutually exclusive and often overlap. This thinking leads to policies promoting stable, married, nuclear families. The policies are not very successful in curtailing diversity in the family and in fact, can be harmful because of the stigma they promote and encourage.

Responses to Family Change: Liberal Conservative: The Singular Ideal Liberal: Tolerance of Diversity Liberal side of the American political spectrum Not necessarily against the traditional form of the family, but also are accepting of diversity Tolerance is not an endorsement, but more like acceptance Effect on policy of relaxing restrictions and regulations Permitting birth control, allowing divorce, recognizing civil unions and same-sex marriages Belief in the equal treatment of everyone Extending equal rights to people in all families Not endorsing one type of difference over another Critics: liberal attitudes contribute to the decline of the family

Responses to Family Change: Critical Conservative: The Singular Ideal Liberal: Tolerance of Diversity Critical: Embrace of Change Critical perspective - a more active attitude toward change Feminist perspective – the traditional family should be in decline The traditional family involves power and unequal relationships between men and women (and children) that are problematic. The breakdown of the dominant family form is the result of hard fought battles and is necessary. Judith Stacey, “Good Riddance to ‘The Family’” The traditional family form actually contributes to inequality and hinders the emergence and acceptance of diversity. Policy agendas to emancipate people (especially women) from the patriarchal power structures inherent within the family and society Welfare support for poor women, paid family leave, Defamilialization – to free people from family dependency and make family relationships more voluntary (Saraceno & Keck, 2011)

Workshop: Conservative, Liberal, and Critical Responses This workshop may be used as a peer instruction (PI) exercise, with or without preparation. Have students look at the Chapter 13 “Story behind the Numbers” section before class. Have them give the topic some personal reflection and possibly discuss with other family members or friends. In class, have students break into pairs (or any other group combination) to discuss their findings with each other either before or after answering the questions on the next few slides with workshop questions. Then results may be shared or discussed with the entire class.

What are your attitudes toward: Workshop: Chapter 13 What are your attitudes toward: Unmarried Parenthood Divorce Remarriage Same-Sex Marriage Open Adoption Use of Max Weber’s term ideal types as applied to group attitudes towards aspects of family change Cohen uses the labels or ideal types of conservative, liberal, and critical. In an attempt to summarize different overall views and perspectives toward social issues applying to family change Look at the aggregate responses from classmates.

What is your attitude toward unmarried parenthood? Workshop Questions: 1.1 What is your attitude toward unmarried parenthood? conservative liberal critical other unsure Have students answer each workshop question using clickers. Ensure anonymity and make it clear to students that their answers will be kept strictly anonymous. Display aggregate results to the class.

What is your attitude toward divorce? Workshop Questions: 1.2 What is your attitude toward divorce? conservative liberal critical other unsure Have students answer each workshop question using clickers. Ensure anonymity and make it clear to students that their answers will be kept strictly anonymous. Display aggregate results to the class.

What is your attitude toward remarriage? Workshop Questions: 1.3 What is your attitude toward remarriage? conservative liberal critical other unsure Have students answer each workshop question using clickers. Ensure anonymity and make it clear to students that their answers will be kept strictly anonymous. Display aggregate results to the class.

What is your attitude toward same-sex marriage? Workshop Questions: 1.4 What is your attitude toward same-sex marriage? conservative liberal critical other unsure Have students answer each workshop question using clickers. Ensure anonymity and make it clear to students that their answers will be kept strictly anonymous. Display aggregate results to the class.

What is your attitude toward open adoption? Workshop Questions: 1.5 What is your attitude toward open adoption? conservative liberal critical other unsure Have students answer each workshop question using clickers. Ensure anonymity and make it clear to students that their answers will be kept strictly anonymous. Display aggregate results to the class.

Responses to Family Change Families in the Face of Inequality Families can be the sites where inequality is produced or experienced. Families can also be sites of resilience, caring, and cooperation. Two examples of growing trends in family arrangements illustrate the type of diversity in society today (next four slides): Young adults living with their parents Children living with their grandparents

Responses to Family Change: Young Adults Living with Parents Families in the Face of Inequality Young Adults Living with Their Parents The age at which people first marry has increased. More people are attending school into their 20s. The number of people dependent on and living with their parents has increased as a result (Furstenberg, 2010). This is also caused in many instances by financial hardship. Larger families and multigenerational living arrangements often indicate situations in which one stable income earner is (partially) supporting other family members. There are other arrangements and motivations as well (immigration, single parenting, going back to school, etc.).

Responses to Family Change: Percentage of Adults Ages 25 to 34 Living with Their Parents This figure shows the percentage of adults age 25 to 34 living with their parents (or in-laws), 1940–2012. Source: Cohen’s analysis of decennial Census and American Community Survey data from IPUMS (Ruggles et al., 2014).

Responses to Family Change: Children Living with Grandparents Families in the Face of Inequality Young Adults Living with Their Parents Children Living with Their Grandparents There are many instances where children live with their grandparents. There are many causes for this (unemployment, health reasons, incarceration, neglect, etc.). A small fraction of wealthy grandparents live with their grandchildren, but this phenomenon is much more common in lower-income situations.

Responses to Family Change: Percentage of People Responsible for a Grandchild This figure shows the percentage of people age 55 and older who live with and are responsible for a grandchild, by poverty level, as of 2010. Source: Cohen’s calculations from the 2009–2011 American Community Survey data provided by IPUMS (Ruggles et al., 2014). This is a reversal from the more common historical family arrangement where elderly family members would live with their grown children in order to taken care of.

The Story behind the Numbers Diversity in American family life: Household Types Racial-Ethnic Identity Age at First Marriage (Men Only) Religious Preference For peer instruction (PI) in the classroom, give students the opportunity to answer the next set of questions using clickers or colored cards. Results may be displayed to the class, or the results can be postponed until after the peer sharing process. Have students pair with another student who answered with a different answer . Allow time for discussion (approx. two to three minutes; this time may be modified) . Have students share these new answers (again through individual clickers or colored cards). For each question there is an accompanying answer and graphic, which can be shown after each question or at the end of the exercise. Discuss the results as a class.

The Story behind the Numbers: Household Types Do you think diversity of household types has increased, decreased, or remained the same? increased decreased stayed the same Answer: A For peer instruction (PI) in the classroom, give students the opportunity to answer the next set of questions using clickers or colored cards. Results may be displayed to the class, or the results can be postponed until after the peer sharing process. Have students pair with another student who answered with a different answer . Allow time for discussion (approx. two to three minutes; this time may be modified) . Have students share these new answers (again through individual clickers or colored cards). Discuss the results as a class.

Story Behind the Numbers: Household Types (1960 and 2010) Note the change in the diversity index from .51 in 1960 to .71 in 2010. Have students see what this looks like (as opposed to just reviewing the index number). Discuss the change in diversity.

The Story behind the Numbers: Racial-Ethnic Identity Do you think diversity of racial-ethnic identity has increased, decreased, or remained the same? increased decreased stayed the same Answer: A For peer instruction (PI) in the classroom, give students the opportunity to answer the next set of questions using clickers or colored cards. Results may be displayed to the class, or the results can be postponed until after the peer sharing process. Have students pair with another student who answered with a different answer . Allow time for discussion (approx. two to three minutes; this time may be modified) . Have students share these new answers (again through individual clickers or colored cards). Discuss the results as a class.

Story behind the Numbers: Racial-Ethnic Identity (1970 and 2010) Note the change in the diversity index from .29 in 1960 to .55 in 2010. Have students see what this looks like (as opposed to just reviewing the index number). Discuss the change in diversity.

The Story behind the Numbers: Age at First Marriage (Men) Do you think diversity of the age at first marriage for men has increased, decreased, or remained the same? increased decreased stayed the same Answer: A For peer instruction (PI) in the classroom, give students the opportunity to answer the next set of questions using clickers or colored cards. Results may be displayed to the class, or the results can be postponed until after the peer sharing process. Have students pair with another student who answered with a different answer . Allow time for discussion (approx. two to three minutes; this time may be modified) . Have students share these new answers (again through individual clickers or colored cards). Discuss the results as a class.

Story behind the Numbers: Age at First Marriage (Men, 1950s–1960s and 2011) Note the change in the diversity index from .64 in 1960 to .78 in 2010. Have students see what this looks like (as opposed to just reviewing the index number). Discuss the change in diversity.

The Story behind the Numbers: Religious Preference Do you think diversity of religious preference has increased, decreased, or remained the same? increased decreased stayed the same Answer: A For peer instruction (PI) in the classroom, give students the opportunity to answer the next set of questions using clickers or colored cards. Results may be displayed to the class, or the results can be postponed until after the peer sharing process. Have students pair with another student who answered with a different answer . Allow time for discussion (approx. two to three minutes; this time may be modified) . Have students share these new answers (again through individual clickers or colored cards). Discuss the results as a class.

Story behind the Numbers: Religious Preference (1972 and 2010) Note the change in the diversity index from .53 in 1960 to .68 in 2010. Have students see what this looks like (as opposed to just reviewing the index number). Discuss the change in diversity.

Conclusion People are living in a greater variety of family arrangements than in the past. People are progressing through stages of life in different sequences and at a different pace than in the past. Sometimes individuals take entirely different paths altogether. “The family as an institutional arena in the modern era is a showcase for the increasing diversity in American society.” The family arrangements people choose, and have chosen for them, have increased and diversified because of demographic, cultural and legal changes. This growing family diversity is also in tandem with growing economic inequality. The family arena is not the only factor or contribution to social and economic inequality, but it is an important one. Families also play a part in contributing to, and reproducing, inequality. Families can, and do, pass down disadvantages and privileges from generation to generation. But families can also provide a much needed safe haven or source of care and comfort in the modern era. There will continue to be ongoing changes in family structures and relationships. How we as a society will respond to these changes is unknown.

Review Question 1 1. The historical change from a society with low life expectance and high birth rates and to one with high life expectancy and low birth rates is referred to as a fertility shrinkage. a baby boom. a depopulation. demographic transition. Answer: D Discussion: Demographic transition is a term that refers to the historical change from a society with low life expectancy and high birth rates to one with high life expectancy and low birth rates.

Review Question 2 2. The singular ideal position referred to in the textbook promotes ______ diversity. conformity. conflict. indifference. Answer: B Discussion: The singular ideal position refers to the perspective that change is bad, which is generally held by conservatives who feel that married opposite-sex couples with their own biological children are the ideal family type to which everyone should strive. This position goes against diversity and instead promotes its opposite: conformity.

Review Question 3 3. Which of the following is an example of the singular ideal perspective? legal reform that makes it easier for couples to file for divorce a government-funded child-care program to help single mothers the legal recognition of same-sex marriages in a state a government-funded marriage promotion program Answer: D Discussion: Policies that reflect the singular ideal are those that promote stable married-couple families. Programs that promote diverse family types, such as same-sex couples, divorcing couples, and single parents, would not be promoted under the singular ideal perspective.

Review Question 4 4. Policies providing support to people, which in turn allow them to be free from family dependency is referred to as familialization. defamilialization. familism. defamilism. Answer: B Discussion: Defamilialization refers to policies that are seen to free people from family dependency and make family relationships more voluntary.

Review Question 5 5. Maria is a 65-year-old woman who lives with and takes care of her two grandchildren. Which of the following is most likely a characteristic of their family? They are a middle-class family. They are a wealthy family. Maria is caring for her grandchildren out of a sense of family loyalty. Maria is caring for her grandchildren because of a legal obligation. Answer: C Discussion: Although there are some wealthy grandparents that live with and take care of their grandchildren, the majority of these families are low income. Research also suggest that despite the financial difficulties, these grandparents still tend to willingly take care of their grandchildren due to a sense of family loyalty.

This concludes the Lecture Slide Set for Chapter 13 by Philip Cohen © 2014 W. W. Norton & Company, Inc. Independent and Employee-Owned