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Family Structure In The 1950's

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While family structure has changed dramatically since the 1950’s, what current changes are we seeing; and how is it affecting the roles to which we play in a compromising world. In the 1950’s families consisted of a head of household (the Father), the house wife (or mother); and their offspring (the children). The father’s duty was to bring home the bacon, while making end meets for his family, while the wife stayed home and cared for the children, the elderly; and took on the household duties. These families usually lived in the suburbs, where they raised their children; while teaching them the proper ways of life. During this time in history, young women were expected to find a mate through persuasion, then get hitched; and eventually produce an offspring. While most of these …show more content…

Because of these strict beliefs, cultural norms birth rates were down considerably compared to today, for many women wanted to await child birth; until they were financial secure or stable. Additionally, “we never read (or heard) about family violence and almost nothing about singlehood, cohabitation, stepfamilies, or one parent families” (Jones, ASID, IIDA, IDEC and Phyllis Sloan Allen, 2009, p. 74).

However, in the 1970’s people began to expand their horizon’s, and soon ventured out to explore other cultures; causing challenges towards the social movement on their views of a traditional family structure. This is why, “since the 1970’s three of the major shifts have occurred in family structure, gender roles, and economic concerns” (Jones, ASID, IIDA, IDEC and Phyllis Sloan Allen, 2009, p. 74). One of those changes were women decided to go to school to fulfill a higher degree, while awaiting giving birth to a child; or saying “I do” to their future loves. This putting a standstill in

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