The nuclear family vs. alternative family structures 1. Introduction In this essay I will be discussing the family, I will define what is agreed to be a family by looking at how the society has shaped what is said to be or not be a family. I will be discussing the nuclear and alternative family structures. Talcott Parson and George Murdock both define a family as a social group characterised by common residence, economic unit and reproduction. It includes adults of different sexes at least two of whom maintain a socially approved sexual relationship, that has at least one or more children, own or adopted, of the sexually cohabiting adults.
This tells us the concept ‘family’ can be understood as ties of common understanding leadership and major decision making. Mogotlane also noted that households are usually complex and not all of the time made up of siblings from same families. With this notion it can be said that currently what makes family and household cannot only be determined by blood ties and affinal relations but networks and social support. Zweig’s
As stated in Havigerova’s article “Teacher’s Subjective Definition of Family”, it reads as follows, “In can be traced in the dictionaries (Merriam Webster,n.d) mostly 8 types of definitions of family” on of those definitions being, “ the basic unit in society traditionally consisting of two parents rearing their children”. Family is not only considered to be those who consist of two parents that rear their children, family for me consist of any person who is there for you all the time and consistently shows love and respect for you. There is no simple definition for family. Family is not only defined through blood nor a last name. Family is about those who accept you for who you are, and support you in every decision.
Family structure in reality, there are variety of family structures, including single-prent families, stepfamilies, grandparents raising grandchildren and same –sex headed families. Yet many families today struggle with how to function in a society based on a traditional model of married couples with biological children. One common family structure that exists today due to divorce is the binuclear family (Ahrons , 1994). Because of the prevalence of divorce, he binuclear family is considered by some to be normative; however, few models exist for how divorced parent can successfully continue their parenting roles when the family no longer fits the traditional model. This is especially problematic for nonresidential parents those who do not live with their children following divorce.
First, the children have a new parent to adapt to, regardless of how loving, caring and capable stepparents are it still creates stress on the children as well as the parents. Often the children of the father or mother spend their time between two households with different rules and quite possibly different life styles. In my case, my two stepdaughters lived with us every other week, while my biological children lived with us full time. According to Greenberg, (2013) “In addition to the disruption of the nuclear family, children often must cope with changes in routine; disruption of friendships, activities, and extended family relationships; changes in economic circumstances; and stresses with parents, siblings, and new stepparents and stepsiblings”. Eventually, my children once again became children of a single parent after the death of their stepfather when they were only 11 and 13 years
However, individually and as a family unit, the expansion of extended family members who became more supportive due to my father having cancer in three separate eras. In fact, my parents still could think clearly and balanced equilibrium of individuality and togetherness. During my father’s second illness, there was a triangle that involved his mother, my mother, and my father, which was highly emotional for the family unit. My mother tried to stabilize the unit in the dyad. This tension at times contributed to her being left out in the dyad in which my father then moved his mother into the outside position to relieve the marital tension.
The word “family” has different meanings for everyone. For some “family” can mean both parents – mom and dad. Others might have seen one of their parents walk out. Some have felt the burns of divorce. Still others grew up with just knowing one parent and not ever questioning where their other parent was.
Posting 2—The Family System and Parenting Issues Part I: Family functioning is a strong predictor of child outcomes. What are the characteristics of effective families and which of these characteristics do you feel is the most essential contribution to family wellbeing? Although every family is different, there are certain characteristics that healthy families share. The quality of the relationship is more important than family configuration. A healthy family relationship provides members with the support, encouragement and empathy that they need.
Bria S Grissom SOC1001 M/W 6pm 1. Families are relationships of people who live together and care for any young children, if any, and think of each other as one unit. Sociologists believe families are essential to the growth of children and are the most significant because growth starts from the home and even before children are born; the family is prepping for the arrival of their new baby. The way a child is raised will greatly determine the kind of individual the child will grow up to be, and although other outside factors, such as school and work, may have an impression, the impact is not as strong as the family. Traditional nuclear families are anything but [traditional] these days.
Family and Demographic Change How technology advancement has impacted family values? What is Family Values? A family is interpreted as a social unit consisting of parents and the children they raise. Value is defined as worth of a thing. To combine the word together gives a definition of family values.