Evolution of the American Family

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses three theories which attempt to assess the reasons for this decline of the "American family" unit.The first being the "conservative model," the second is the "liberal model" and the third being various feminist theories of familial discontent. Each one of these theories is presented and analyzed. The paper concludes with a discussion of the obstacles faced by women in managing a family and career.

From the Paper:

"The conservative model of family decline suggests a model that is a replica of the "fall from Eden" for the American family. According to the conservative point of view, once the American family existed in a relative state of harmony and bliss. The family, according to the conservative point of view, is necessarily dependent upon a rigid model of roles. The father is in charge of major family decision making and providing economically for the family. The mother's duty primarily revolves around the production, education, and nurturing of the family's children. The children are to be obedient to their parents, deferring first to their mother, then to their father when he comes home from his job."

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