American Family Values

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer points out that there are many studies which assert that there has been a strong and even radical decline in American family values since the 1950s. The writer maintains that one of the main aspects leading to this decline is that the centrality and importance of marriage in society has also suffered a steady decline since the 1950s. Firther the writer claims that the values associated with different gender roles have changed as a result of the changes in the nature and structure of the family. In conclusion, the writer points out that the decline in traditional family values since 1950 is a fact that is evidenced in many research studies.

From the Paper:

"This is supported by statistics which show that the proportion of adults who have never been married rose from 15% to 23% between 1972 and 1998. There has also been a concomitant increase in the divorce rate. These aspects have all contributed to the changing values in the family."
"For example, the values associated with different gender roles have changed as a result of the changes in the nature and structure of the family. The value system in the traditional nuclear family was dependent on gender role differentiation and responsibilities. These roles, which created certain values and norms associate with the sexes, were disturbed by social events such as the increasing participation of women in the workforce since 1950. This altered the responsibility structures and values attached to the concept of the mother as the 'homemaker'."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Klein H. S. The Changing American Family. Retrieved January 29, 2007 from http://www.hoover.org/publications/digest/3020821.html>
• Popenoe D. (1993) American Family Decline, 1960-1990: A Review and Appraisal. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 55 (3), pp. 527-542
• The Emerging 21st Century American Family. Retrieved January 29, 2007 from http://72.14.235.104/search?q=cache:aCtD_N20o7QJ:www.norc.org/online/emerge.pdf+Decline+in+the+American+Family+Values&hl=en&gl=za&ct=clnk&cd=6
• The American Family Association (AFA). Retrieved January 29, 2007 from http://www.afa.net/about.asp
• The American Family: Future Uncertain. Retrieved January 29, 2007 from http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,944265-2,00.html

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