family-older version ppt

FamilyWhat do you think of when you think of family?

The dictionary defines family as a “group of people that are related to each other.” What do you think of this definition? Do you think it is accurate? Does it fit for modern American culture? Chinese culture?

FamilyNuclear family: parents and children (often a small unit) Extended family: grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. (often a large unit)

Family & CultureWhat role does family play in culture?

What is the function or purpose of family? What happens in society when family life is threatened or disrupted?

I asked you to think about the following questions from a Chinese cultural perspective. Consider how you would answer these questions from a western perspective. What do you think the answers would be?

Has the concept of family in the U.S. changed in the past twenty years? If so, how? What is the typical American family like today? (structure, values) What are relationships between immediate family members like? Extended family members? What role does family play in U.S. culture?

Concept of Family in the U.S.The concept of family in any culture is influenced by several factors: Male/female roles Rural or urban populations Economic status Religion In the U.S., the concept of family has changed drastically in the last 50-60 years, influenced mainly by changes in society since the mid-20th century.

Concept of Family in the U.S.The Colonial period (1600s-1700s) Extended family lived together Purpose to take care of all social needs (food, clothing, economic support, education, health care, retirement, etc.) Less focus on happiness and love in family and marriage relationships; all had a job to do to maintain the life of family members

Concept of Family in the U.S.The Colonial period—continued Divorce was rare or illegal Men were in leadership and had a role in society; women were to take care of the home Job of parents was to teach children to be lawabiding citizens Job of children was to support the family and be obedient

Concept of Family in the U.S.The 19th Century Shift to nuclear family as economy developed and social institutions established to care for education, elderly, etc. Marriage for love became more common; emotional attachment important between couples and parents and children Men became the “breadwinner”; women were to be the primary child-rearer

Concept of Family in the U.S.The 20th Century Solidified the view of “traditional” family (father worked, mother at home, children at school) Rising divorce rate after WWII; change in idea that couple stayed together for the children 1970s women’s rights, gay rights, racial rights; women in the workplace

Traditional Family: Mom, Dad and two kids

Concept of Family in the U.S.From the 1970s to today, the ‘traditional’ family image no longer fits. The family has undergone many changes and today ha

s many forms. It is difficult to define what is the “typical” family today in the U.S. It still involves parents and children but that relationship can take various forms. No matter the form, family is still expected to provide emotional support, love and care.