Family in History

In the article “The American Family” by Stephanie Coontz, she disputes individuals who believe that American families are worse off today than in the Past. She alludes that in the past, thousands of children worked in mills, mines, and sweatshops, spouse rape was legal and wife-beating was of little concern to the authorities, 6% of children graduated from high school, and child labor was at its epitome. She also talks about an ideal family where men today are involved in house chores creating good relationships with their wives and children. Coontz believed that women should have freedom and better life choices to lead a successful life. Today women have control over their income, choose to remain single, and leave toxic marriages. Families today are outspoken and Coonts alludes that individuals no longer sweep under the rug but air out the issues openly and resolve them quickly. The number of children per family has reduced over the past 100years and much attention is dedicated to the children's upbringing. Horizons for families have expanded, life expectancy has improved, and relationships are taking a notch higher.