There has been an enormous shift in American family life since 1970. For example, childcare has become the most pressing problem in many American households, and gender roles have been substantially redefined. Many believe both of these facts can ...
American family life in the early to mid-20th century was shaped by two major events: the Great Depression and the Second World War. The so-called "traditional" American family of the Post-War years was actually a short-lived anomaly.
Author and feminist Betty Friedan observes that while full equality between the genders has not yet been achieved, American society is closer to reaching that goal than at any time in the past.
Cultural traditions often prescribe gender roles and relationships between women and men, ranging from the subordination of women to relative equality. Other than the biological differences between men and women, research indicates that the psycho...
Author and feminist Betty Friedan talks about the "war between the sexes," noting that, at one time, the mere mention of the words "my wife" in comedy routines made the audience laugh.
Whether due to gender role conflict or other factors, the stress brought on when both adults work outside the home can have a significant impact on marital stability.
In some ways, the family unit in colonial times played much the same role that it does today, but there are some notable differences. For example, the colonial era family took on many roles generally played today by public agencies. There was als...