Four decades of trends in attitudes toward family issues in the U.S - Essay Example

Four decades of trends in attitudes toward family issues in the U.S: The 1960s through the 1990s Introduction There are various changes that have occurred in marriage that have influenced the changes in family structure. There is evidence of changes in attitudes towards personal freedom, equality, commitment to family and children (Arland and Linda 1009). Historically, marriage institutions and family were essential in organizing individual lives and activities such as production, consumption and daily life was structured within the family.

The men was the head of family and societal norms prescribed certain expected patterns of behavior within the family since childbearing and dissolution of intimate relationship was controlled by the community norms (Arland and Linda 1010). However, the shifts in social organization such as growth of factories, schools and bureaucratic organizations decreased the importance of family in controlling individual identities, living arrangements and childbearing. Changes in religious structures diminished ability of the church to influence individuals thus leading to decreased sense of shared morality.

The enlightenment period stressed the importance of liberty and equality thus increasing the degree of individualism, tolerance to diverse ideas and reducing the collectivism in the society (Arland and Linda 1011). The changes in family and social relationships in the beginning of the second half of 20th century were influenced by increased participation of women in formal employment, the baby boom after the Second World War and high divorce rates of 1960s. In 1970s, non-marital cohabitation and out-of-wedlock childbearing increased, but the period saw advancements in biology that led to the birth control pills and other contraceptives (Arland and Linda 1011).

The changes in marriage have been brought by endorsement of gender equality in families and trends towards individual autonomy and increased acceptance of divorce. There has been a change in family relationships that has been brought by the decline in the commitment to family life. Accordingly, the desire for more freedom, autonomy and tolerance of differing family norms has led to shifts in the family structure. Another change that has been witnessed in the desire for gender equality in families due to equal opportunities, desire for shared decision-making within families and sharing of resources (Arland and Linda 1017).

The last four decades have witnessed changes in attitudes towards family behaviour and relationships such increased acceptance of divorce, premarital sex, extramarital sex, childlessness, cohabitation, and unmarried childbearing. There have been shifts in sex roles since women can participate fully in the labor market due to the individual autonomy to choose whether to enter in to a intimate relationship or bear children (Arland and Linda 1025). The changes in morality has led to more acceptance of premarital sex, out-of wedlock childbearing and acceptance of divorce.

Some of the changes that I personally consider surprising are the increased acceptance of divorce and premarital sex. In am surprised by the increased premarital sex and acceptance of divorce since this will lead to unstable family relationships that will affect the upbringing of children. One of the most notable changes in attitudes is the increased disapproval of extramarital sex among women and men in 1980s and 1990s (Arland and Linda 1023). I prefer the growth in endorsement of gender equality since it enhances women participation in formal employment and adjusts any conflicts in marriage.

Gender equality has changed the gender stereotypes and roles thus allowing women to earn a living outside their home and find time to attend to family and children (Arland and Linda 1025). Conclusion Marriage is now voluntary and less powerful in controlling individual behavior since most men and women believe in individuality, freedom of choice, equality and tolerance. Although many Americans agreed that divorce will cause adverse effects on children, there is increased acceptance of divorce for justified reasons.

Unmarried childbearing is associated with less stigmatization as it more preferable to abortion or unmarried pregnancy. However, the challenges facing American society is how the individuals will balance the pursuit of individual goals and maintain family commitments in order to ensure stable family relationships. Work Cited:Arland Thornton and Linda, Young-DeMarco. ‘Four decades of trends in attitudes toward family issues in the United States: The 1960s through the 1990s’, Journal of Marriage and the Family, Vol 63, No.

4, (Nov, 2001), pp 1009-1037.