The Evolving Family: A Historical Perspective on American Families

Abstract

The 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. Ideas regarding family patterns are associated with institutions, women empowerment and civilization, and socialization. Parents are closer to their children and wives. Their social world entails building better relationships. The education and economic status of women have improved drastically and they can stand on their own and raise children singly and independently. “We should no longer assume that children raised by single parents face debilitating disadvantages” (Coontz 94). Institutions of higher education have improved and literacy levels have heightened. Family is about compatibility and establishing meaningful relationships. “And only---6 percent of the children graduated from high school, compared with 88 percent today” (79). Women are earning their own income and have entered the workforce and contribute immensely to family budgets. Focus is on what we want to be not what we used to be (79). The changing patterns are changing family life. The relationship between parents and children has changed since the 1960s. Child abuse was at its epitome then compared to today. There was little concern for the well-being of children. Girls contracted sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea and syphilis and doctors least associated with sexual abuse. Families were not steady since husbands ignored...