Family Reflection Essay

Throughout the influences that have disrupted much of the family unit traditional practices, the role of the male, father figure had remained a figure of power in the family that is often looked to for guidance and stability, in an attempt to create a more egalitarian environment. Although there have been countless changes to the model family, the notion of a man and his importance as a father in the family unit has stayed crucial in the traditional family. Griswold states, “...children simply needed the presence of a father…[his] absence prompted poorer moral development, more juvenile delinquency, and a deterioration in boys’ school performance…[his] presence was associated with ease in establishing solid peer friendships and, later, successful heterosexual sex-role development…” The role of the man has evolved from its importance as a

My grandmother is the breadwinner of the house as well as the main contributor to house work. While my grandfather is in charge of the cooking and more manual care of the house, because he was unable to work due to the effects of the war. A very different assignment of roles, and when they had a child, my grandmother also took on the leading role in childrearing. She felt, “Responsible for everything.” She, similar to women’s earlier roles in the traditional family, was stretched thin with both a paid job, and the duty of work at home, in order to satisfy the family needs. My sister, Hayley declared, “It has to be two people working together to run the house, spit financially and with the house work.” She pictures the more ideal organization of the family, the idea that was again promoted by the National Organization for Women. The role of feminism had and continues to have a large impact on the transition of ideal in my family throughout the