Marriages & Families: Changes, Choices, and Constraints by Nijole V. Benokraitis 7th ed TestBank

Marriages & Families: Changes, Choices, and Constraints by Nijole V. Benokraitis 7th ed TestBankYou can buy the this complete file at Marriages & Families: Changes, Choices, and Constraints by Nijole V. Benokraitis CHAPTER 1: The Changing Family Quick Quiz: 1. Which of the following statements is true? a. Today, a majority of all persons aged 25 to 34 years have never been married. b. The median age at which people marry today is higher than at any time during the 20th century. c. On average, first marriages that end in divorce last 20 years. d. The “traditional” family (where the husband is the breadwinner and the wife is a full-time mother) became more common between 1972 and 2007. 2. Two generations ago the typical American family consisted of a. grandparents, parents, and children living in a single household. b. a single mother living with her children. c. a father, mother, and three or four children. d. a married couple who did not yet have children. 3. A marriage in which the couple must follow procedures specified by the state or other jurisdiction, such as buying a license, is called a a. ceremonial marriage. b. common-law marriage. c. legal marriage. d. licensed marriage. 4. Maria’s family is Catholic and insists that Maria marry a man who is also from a Catholic family. This practice of marrying within a certain group is called a. exogamy. b. incest. c. bigamy. d. endogamy. 5. The family into which a person is adopted or raised is called the family of a. orientation. b. procreation. c. restitution. d. adoption. 6. Which of the following is true about families of the past? a. They were happier and stronger than present-day families. b. Children were more likely to grow up in a nuclear family. c. Few people talked about issues such as domestic violence and child abuse. d. Parents spent more time with their children than they do today. You can buy the this complete file at You can buy the this complete file at 7. Which school of thought about the family argues that most people put their own needs above their family duties? a. The family is disappearing b. The family is deteriorating c. The family is changing, not deteriorating d. The family is stronger than ever 8. Which of the following is a micro-level influence on the family? a. Technological innovations b. Popular culture c. Social movements d. Individual choices 9. The burgeoning marriage movement consists of people who a. are opposed to communal living. b. are alarmed by high divorce rates and the increase in cohabitation rates. c. support no-fault divorce laws. d. support legislation that allows women to combine their work and mother roles. Short Answer 10. Why have many social scientists challenged traditional definitions of the family? You can buy the this complete file at You can buy the this complete file at CHAPTER 1: The Changing Family Quiz #1: Answer Key 1. Answer: B Chapter heading/page #: Introduction/p.3 Question type: Factual; Question level: Moderate 2. Answer: C Chapter heading/page #: Introduction/p.3 Question type: Factual; Question level: Moderate 3. Answer: A Chapter heading/page #: How Are Families Similar Across Societies/p.8 Question type: Conceptual; Question level: Easier 4. Answer: D Chapter heading/page #: How Are Families Similar Across Societies /p.8 Question type: Conceptual; Question level: Easier 5. Answer: A Chapter heading/page #: Family Structure and Social Change/p.11 Question type: Conceptual; Question level: Easier 6. Answer: C Chapter heading/page #: Some Myths about the Family/p.13 Question type: Factual; Question level: Moderate 7. Answer: B Chapter heading/page #: Family Values: Three Perspectives on the Changing Family/p.16 Question type: Conceptual; Question level: Easier 8. Answer: D Chapter heading/page #: Why are Families Changing?/p.22 Question type: Applied; Question level: Easier 9. Answer: B Chapter heading/page #: Why are Families Changing?/p.23 Question type: Factual; Question level: Easier Short Answer 10. Answer: Because they exclude a number of diverse groups that also consider themselves family, such as childfree couples, cohabiting couples, foster parents and their charges, elderly sisters living together, gay and lesbian couples with or without children, and grandparents raising their grandchildren. Chapter heading/page #: What is a Family?/p.5 You can buy the this complete file at You can buy the this complete file at Question type: Conceptual; Question level: Moderate You can buy the this complete file at You can buy the this complete file at TEST QUESTIONS: CHAPTER 1 The Changing Family Multiple Choice Questions 1. Since 1970, the percentage of single-parent households as a percentage of all households a. has gone down. b. has gone up. c. has stayed the same. d. is unknown. (Factual; answer: b; page 3) 2. The traditional definition of the “family” has included all of the following characteristics except a. being emotionally committed to one another b. living together c. forming an economic unit d. bearing and raising children (Conceptual; answer: a; page 4) 3. A primary group is characterized by a. impersonal relationships. b. few emotional ties to one another c. close, intimate interaction. d. short-term relationships. (Conceptual; answer: c; page 7) 4. “A socially approved mating relationship that people expect to be stable and enduring” is a definition of a. parents. b. family. c. marriage d. courtship (Conceptual; answer: c; page 7) 5. A marriage in which the couple must follow procedures specified by the state or other jurisdiction, such as buying a license, is called a a. ceremonial marriage. b. common-law marriage. c. legal marriage. d. licensed marriage You can buy the this complete file at You can buy the this complete file at (Conceptual; answer: a; page 8) 6. Generally the requirements for establishing a common-law marriage include all of the following EXCEPT a. living together for a significant period of time. b. getting blood tests. c. presenting oneself as part of a married couple. d. intending to marry. (Conceptual; answer: b; page 8) 7. Bigamy occurs when a. a married partner is unfaithful to his or her spouse. b. people have children without being married. c. a person marries a second person while a first marriage is still legal. d. people live together without being married. (Conceptual; answer: c; page 8) 8. Why is there no universal definition of the family? a. Very few people live in families anymore. b. Social scientists do not have enough data about the family to create a definition. c. Contemporary household arrangements are very complex. d. It is difficult to determine what types of families actually exist. (Conceptual; answer: c; page 4) 9. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s definition of family, which of the following groups would NOT be considered a family? a. elderly sisters living together b. a gay or lesbian couple living together c. a single father living with his biological children d. a married couple living with their adopted children (Applied; answer: b; page 4) 10. The text defines a family as an intimate group of two or more people who do all of the following EXCEPT possibly a. live together in a committed relationship. b. care for one another and any children. c. share activities and close emotional ties. d. marry. (Conceptual; answer: d; page 4-5) You can buy the this complete file at You can buy the this complete file at 11. Nonrelatives who are accepted as part of the family are known as a. social kin. b. temporary kin. c. fictive kin. d. associative kin. (Conceptual; answer: c; page 5) 12. A household made up of a married parents and their biological or adopted children is called a(n) a. nuclear family. b. extended family. c. family of origin. d. dual earner household. (Conceptual; answer: a; page 8) 13. Cultural norms and laws which forbid sexual intercourse between close blood relatives are called a. exogamy rules. b. incest taboos. c. endogamy rules. d. initiation rites. (Conceptual; answer: b; page 6) 14. Julie and Rick are married. Julie is Asian and Rick is African American. Their marriage is a. exogamous. b. endogamous. c. incestuous. d. bigamous. (Applied; answer: a; page 8) 15. The process by which children acquire the language, the accumulated knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and values of its society and culture and learn the social and interpersonal skills needed to function effectively in society is called a. emotional support. b. socialization. c. rationalization d. social placement (Conceptual; answer: b; page 6) You can buy the this complete file at You can buy the this complete file at 16. Supplying material resources for the family, such as food, shelter, and clothing, is part of the family’s __________ function. a. socialization b. economic security. c. emotional support d. procreation (Conceptual; answer: b; page 6) 17. According to Charles Horton Cooley, groups that are characterized by close, long-lasting, intimate, and fact-to-face interactions are called a. secondary groups. b. families. c. primary groups. d. teammates. (Conceptual; answer: c; page 17) 18. A(n) __________ is a category of people who have a similar standing or rank in society based on their wealth, education, power, prestige, and other valued resources. a. social class b. family of origin c. kinship system d. extended family (Conceptual; answer: a; page 7) 19. Shelby married Tracy and had two children. Tracy and the children are Shelby’s family of a. orientation. b. recognition. c. origin. d. procreation (Applied; answer: d; page 11) 20. A network of people who are related by blood, marriage, or adoption is called a(n) a. extended family. b. kinship system. c. family of orientation. d. family of origin. (Conceptual; answer: b; page 11) You can buy the this complete file at You can buy the this complete file at 21. The family form which consists of parents and children, as well as other kin such as uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews, cousins, and grandparents is called the a. nuclear family. b. family of procreation. c. family of orientation. d. extended family. (Conceptual; answer: d; page 8) 22. The family form that is most common in much of the world is the a. nuclear family. b. extended family. c. family of procreation. d. blended family. (Factual; answer: b; page 8) 23. The type of marriage in which one person is married exclusively to another person is called a. polygamy. b. nuclear. c. primary. d. monogamy. (Conceptual; answer: d; page 10) 24. The term “serial monogamy” refers to a situation in which a person a. marries several people over their lifetime but is only married to one person at a time. b. is married exclusively to one person for their entire lifetime. c. is married to two or more persons at the same time. d. cohabits rather than remarries after a divorce. (Conceptual; answer: a; page 10) 25. Marriages in which either the husband or the wife has two or more spouses is called a. polygamy. b. polygyny. c. polyandry. d. monogamy. (Conceptual; answer: a; page 10) 26. A woman who has more than one husband is practicing a. polygamy. b. polygyny. c. polyandry. d. monogamy. You can buy the this complete file at You can buy the this complete file at (Conceptual; answer: c; page 10) 27. Polyandry may have existed in societies a. where matriarchy is the predominate family form. b. in which there is a shortage of men. c. with plentiful access to food. d. where it is difficult to accumulate property. (Factual; answer: d; page 10) 28. Jamal and Tanya have just married and moved into an apartment of their own to live by themselves as a couple. This residency pattern is called a. patrilocal. b. matrilocal. c. neolocal. d. bilocal. (Applied; answer: c; page 9) 29. Kelly and Anthony have just married and moved in with Anthony’s parents. This residency patterns is called a. patrilocal. b. matrilocal. c. neolocal. d. bilocal. (Applied; answer: a; page 9) 30. Since the early 1990s, increasingly young married adults have tended to live a. with the parents of the husband. b. by themselves in their own residence. c. with the parents of the wife. d. with the parents of either the wife or husband – or sometimes with the grandparents of one of the partners. (Factual; answer: d; page 9) 31. In ________________ family structures, both partners share power and authority about equally. a. matriarchal b. patriarchal c. neolocal d. egalitarian (Conceptual; answer: d; page 9-10) You can buy the this complete file at You can buy the this complete file at 32. According to the text, people who have the “nostalgia bug” aren’t aware of several facts, including a. teenage pregnancy rates were higher in the 1950s than they are today. b. people have been talking about and writing about child abuse and domestic violence since the early 1900s. c. parents spend less time with their children today than in the past. d. most marriages were happier in the past than they are today. (Factual; answer: a; page 13) 33. Family myths about what is “natural” include the belief that a. married couples must be everything to each other. b. people should get married and have children. c. families should be self-sufficient. d. families are safe places. (Factual; answer: b; page 13) 34. Which of the following statements is TRUE concerning self-sufficiency and the American family? a. Few families—past or present—have been entirely self-sufficient. b. Most families in the past were entirely self-sufficient. c. Middle class families tend to prosper because they are self-sufficient. d. Only the poorest families tend to need help from the government. (Factual; answer: a; page 13) 35. To say that the family is a “haven in a heartless world” is to say that the family should a. be mostly self-sufficient. b. physically care for elderly family members. c. be the only group responsible for raising children. d. provide, love, nurturance, and emotional support. (Conceptual; answer: d; page 14) 36. All of the following statements are part of the myth of the perfect marriage EXCEPT a. couples should be good providers. b. couples should be fantastic sexual partners. c. couples should be spiritual soul mates. d. couples should be of the same race and ethnicity. You can buy the this complete file at You can buy the this complete file at (Conceptual; answer: d; page 15) 37. According to several national surveys examining the value we place on marriage and the family, a. Americans rank their family as less important to them than work or religion. b. few high school seniors say that having a good marriage and family are extremely important. c. the majority of first-year college students say that raising a family is “very important” in their lives. d. most “millennial” teens (those born after 1982) say they do not trust or feel close to their parents. (Factual; answer: c; page 15) 38. The text points out that the status of the family continues to spark debate among three schools of thought. Which of the following is NOT one of these schools of thought? a. the family is disappearing b. the family is deteriorating c. the family is changing, not deteriorating d. the family is stronger than ever (Factual; answer: a; page 16) 39. People who adhere to the “family is deteriorating” school of thought think that a. as soon as an individual realizes that she or he is unhappy in a marriage, she or he should leave. b. financial success is the most important factor in keeping families together. c. marital partners should increase their sense of entitlement and decrease their sense of duty. d. marriage should exist for the sake of children and not just for adults. (Conceptual; answer: d; page 16) 40. Many who endorse the “family is deteriorating” perspective imply that the family could be shored up if a. men and women waited to get married until they were older and more mature. b. people had fewer children to care for. c. fathers were breadwinners and mothers cared for children and the home. d. fathers spent more time nurturing their children. (Conceptual; answer: c; page 16) 41. According to the “family is changing, not deteriorating” perspective, a. family problems such as desertion, out-of-wedlock birth, and child abuse have always existed. b. the mother who works outside the home is a new phenomenon. c. few single-parent families existed prior to 1950. d. divorce did not become available until the late twentieth century. (Conceptual; answer: a; page 16-17) You can buy the this complete file at You can buy the this complete file at 42. Between 1900 and 1950, the percentage of single-person households a. stayed the same. b. decreased dramatically. c. increased dramatically. d. was largely unknown. (Factual; answer: c; page 17) 43. Some social scientists argue that, despite myriad problems, families are happier today than in the past because a. people are usually happier in remarriages than first marriages. b. there has been an increase in multigenerational relationships. c. the minimum wage is now adequate to raise a family. d. adult children are not expected to live with their parents. (Factual; answer: b; page 17) 44. Studies examining the amount of time parents spend with their children have shown that a. children spend less time with their parents today than was the case several decades ago. b. children spend more time with parents today than was the case several decades ago. c. children in families where both parents work tend to spend less time with their parents than was the case several decades ago. d. the amount of time children spend with their parents has not change for the last several decades. (Factual; answer: b; page 18) 45. What are the two demographic changes that have had the most far-reaching consequences for family life? a. declining birthrates and an increase in the average age of the population b. more marriages and a decline in birthrates c. shorter life expectancy and higher divorce rates d. higher divorce rates and an increase in the average age of the population (Factual; answer: a; page 18) 46. The “empty-nest syndrome” refers to a. living by oneself after a divorce. b. childless couples. c. the departure of grown children from the home. d. the rise of one-parent families You can buy the this complete file at You can buy the this complete file at (Conceptual; answer: c; page 18) 47. According to the Census Bureau, which of the following is NOT a nonfamily household? a. a single woman living by herself b. a gay or lesbian couple living together c. two or more roommates living together d. a childless married couple living together. (Applied; answer: d; page 18) 48. Which of the following statements is TRUE concerning nonfamily households in the U.S.? a. the percentage of nonfamily households has decreased since 1970 b. the percentage of nonfamily households has increased since 1970 c. the percentage of nonfamily households has stayed the same since 1970 d. the percentage of nonfamily households in the U.S. is greater than the percentage of family households (Factual; answer: b; page 18) 49. Part of the increase in one-parent families is due to a. couples cohabitating rather than marrying. b. the surge in births to unmarried women. c. the decline in remarriage after divorce. d. the decline in the number of children under 18. (Factual; answer: b; page 18) 50. Which group makes up one of the fastest growing households? a. married people with children. b. cohabitors with children. c. roommates. d. singles. (Factual; answer: d; page 18) 51. Which of the following is NOT a reason why singles make up one of the fastest growing groups? a. Many young adults no longer value marriage. b. Many young adults are . c. People are more likely than in the past to outlive a partner. d. Older women who are divorced or widowed remarry at much older rates than do older men. You can buy the this complete file at You can buy the this complete file at (Factual; answer: a; page 18) 52. What types of marriages are especially likely to end in divorce? a. first marriages of women over 30 b. marriages entered into because the woman became pregnant c. marriages in which the couple had children d. marriages where the husband is younger than the wife (Factual; answer: b; page 19) 53. Between 1960 and 2000, the proportion of children living with a never-married parent a. decreased. b. stayed the same. c. increased. d. could not be measured. (Factual; answer: c; page 19) 54. Among one-parent families, most are a. father-child families. b. grandmother-child families. c. parent-grandparent families. d. mother-child families. (Factual; answer: d; page 19) 55. Of mothers with children under 6 years of age, __________ are in the labor force. a. very few b. a minority c. a majority d. an unknown number (Factual; answer: c; page 19) 56. Which of the following statements is true concerning where ethnic families live? a. Ethnic families tend to live mainly on the west coast or east coast. b. Ethnic families tend to move to areas with few other ethnic families to avoid competition for jobs. c. Ethnic families tend to cluster in areas with established immigrant communities that can help newcomers find housing and jobs. d. Federal government policies have encouraged immigrants to live in many different geographic regions. (Factual; answer: c; page 21) You can buy the this complete file at You can buy the this complete file at 57. To study people’s choices, social scientists often take a(n) __________, focusing on individual’s social interactions in specific settings. a. macro-level perspective b. micro-level perspective c. global perspective d. objective perspective (Conceptual; answer: b; page 21) 58. To study constraints that limit individuals’ options, focusing on large-scale patterns that characterize society as a whole, social scientists take a(n) a. objective perspective. b. micro-level perspective. c. macro-level perspective. d. global perspective. (Conceptual; answer: c; page 21) 59. Which of the following is a micro-level influence on the family? a. Technological innovations b. Popular culture c. Social movements d. Individual choices (Conceptual; answer: d; page 22) 60. Which of the following is a macro-level level influence on the family? a. economic forces b. contraceptive practices c. difficulty balancing various roles d. communication styles among married partners (Applied; answer: a; page 22) 61. Televisions, videocassette recorders (VCRs), microwave ovens, and personal computers are examples of a. economic shifts. b. social movements. c. family policies. d. technological innovations. (Applied; answer: d; page 22) You can buy the this complete file at You can buy the this complete file at 62. Laws about when and whom we marry are an example of a. social movements. b. family policies. c. economic shifts. d. technological innovations. (Applied; answer: b; page 24) 63. Which of the following is NOT one of the reasons why it is important to have a cross-cultural and global perspective when understanding the family? a. The U.S. today is a mosaic of many cultural, religious, ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic groups. b. The world is shrinking and thus we are more likely to come into contact with family practices and customs in other cultures. c. U.S. businesses recognize the importance of understanding other societies. d. Understanding the customs of other countries supports our ideas that U.S. family forms are the norm. (Factual; answer: d; page 24) True and False 64. Traditionally, a family has been defined as two or more people living together who are emotionally committed to each other. (Conceptual; answer: False; page 4) 65. Every society has norms, or culturally defined rules for behavior, regarding who may engage in sexual relations, with whom, and under what circumstances. (Factual; answer: True; page 6) 66. Most couples today plan to stay child-free. (Factual; answer: False; page 6) 67. Some socialization is unconscious and may be unintentional, such as teaching culturally accepted stereotypical gender traits. (Factual; answer: True; page 6) You can buy the this complete file at You can buy the this complete file at 68. The family is a primary group because it provides nurturance, love, and emotional sustenance. (Conceptual; answer: True; page 7) 69. People in the same social class tend to have similar attitudes , values, and leisure interests. (Conceptual; answer: True; page 7) 70. Common-law marriage is an example of a ceremonial marriage. (Conceptual; answer: False; page 8) 71. Exogamy requires people to marry or have sexual relations within a certain group. (Conceptual; answer: False; page 8) 72. As the number of single-parent families increases in industrialized countries, extended families are becoming less common. (Factual; answer: False; page 8) 73. The most common pattern of authority in the family is patriarchy. (Factual; answer: True; page 9) 74. Many Americans think they have egalitarian families but our families tend to be patriarchal. (Factual; answer: True; page 10) 75. Serial monogamy is having two or more spouses at the same time. (Conceptual; answer: False; page 10) 76. In contrast to polygyny, polyandry is common in many societies. (Conceptual/Factual; answer: False; page 10) You can buy the this complete file at You can buy the this complete file at 77. Most people are born into a biological family, or family of orientation. (Conceptual; answer: False; page 11) 78. Most popular television shows are rarely representative of real families. (Factual; answer: True; page 12) 79. Myths about the family can be both functional and dysfunctional. (Factual; answer: True; page 12) 80. Chances of not growing up in a nuclear family were much greater in the past than they are now. (Factual; answer: True; page 13) 81. All families provide love, nurturance, and emotional support to their family members. (Factual; answer: False; page 14) 82. Most people have realistic expectations about what marriage is like. (Factual; answer: False; page 15) 83. Those who believe the “family is deteriorating” argue that the changes we are experiencing are extensions of long-standing family patterns. (Conceptual; answer: False; page 16) 84. Those who believe that the “family is changing, not deteriorating” might point out that family problems such as desertion, out-of-wedlock birth, and child abuse have always existed. (Conceptual; answer: True; page 16-17) 85. Some social scientists argue that despite myriad problems, families are happier today than in the past because of the increase in multi-generational relationships. You can buy the this complete file at You can buy the this complete file at (Factual; answer: True; page 17) 86. Mothers and fathers spend less time interacting with their children today than they did in 1965 when many families were male-breadwinner/female-homemaker families. (Factual; answer: False; page 18) 87. Since the end of the eighteenth century, most American women have been bearing fewer children, having them closer together, and finishing child rearing at an earlier age. (Factual; answer: True; page 18) 88. The U.S. Census Bureau's definition of a family household would include cohabiting couples. (Applied; answer: False; page 18) 89. The number of married-couple households with children under age 18 has increased over the last forty years. (Factual; answer: False; page 18) 90. The majority of married women with children under the age of six are in the paid labor force. (Factual; answer: True; page 19) 91. In the largest cities of some states---especially those in California and Texas---the percentages of people who don't speak English are higher than those who do speak English. (Factual; answer: True; page 20) 92. When social scientists focus on large-scale patterns that characterize society as a whole, they are using a micro-level perspective. (Conceptual; answer: False; page 21) You can buy the this complete file at You can buy the this complete file at 93. Technological innovations and economic forces are examples of macro-level influences on the family. (Conceptual; answer: True; page 22) 94. Technologies, such as email and the internet, can have positive effects on family relationships. (Factual; answer: True; page 23) 95. Since Latino families are huge consumers of prime-time television, many TV shows now feature Latinos and Latino families. (Factual; answer: False; page 23) 96. Government rarely gets involved in our private family lives. (Factual; answer: False; page 24) 97. Understanding the customs of other countries supports our notion that U.S. family forms are ideal. (Factual; answer: False; page 24-25) Short Answer 98. Why is there no universal definition of the family? Contemporary household arrangements are complex and traditional definitions usually exclude a number of diverse groups that consider themselves families, e.g. child-free couples, cohabiting couples, foster parents and their charges, elderly sisters living together, gay and lesbian couples with and without children, and grandparents raising grandchildren. (Conceptual; page 4) 99. Do television shows accurately reflect family structure? Why or why not? As reflected in many television shows, diverse family structures are more acceptable today than ever before. However, at the same time, some of the most popular programs are rarely representative of real families. For example, children are shown living with single fathers when most children live with both parents or only their mother. You can buy the this complete file at You can buy the this complete file at (Factual; page 12) 100. State two ways that social class can affect family life. Social class affects when people marry, how many children they have, how parents socialize their children, and how partners and spouses relate to each other. Lower social class is associated with greater risk of adolescent non-marital childbearing, dropping out of high school, committing street crimes, child neglect, and engaging in domestic violence. (Factual; page 7) 101. Why are extended families living together or nearby becoming more common in industrialized societies? Such families make it easier for a single parent to work outside the home, raise children, and perform household tasks. (Factual; page 8) 102. List two ways that myths about marriage and the family can be dysfunctional. We may feel that there is something wrong with us, or become critical of our family members, if we or they do not live up to some idealized image. Myths can divert our attention from widespread social problems that lead to family crises. (Conceptual; page 12) 103. List two ways that myths about marriage and the family can be functional. Myths can give us hope that we can have a good marriage and family life. Myths can free us from guilt and shame. (Conceptual; page 12) Essay 104. Compare and contrast the three perspectives on the family—family is deteriorating, family is changing, not deteriorating, or family is stronger than ever—as to how they would view the increase in unmarried couple households in the United States. You can buy the this complete file at You can buy the this complete file at Family is deteriorating: This perspective is worried that we are in a “marriage crisis” and would view unmarried couple households as part of the larger “family decay” in our society, which includes high rates of divorce and children born out of wedlock, latchkey children, single parent families, and an increase in the number of people deciding not to get married. This perspective would argue that couples live together rather than marry because they lack individual responsibility, lack commitment to each other, and are just plain selfish. Couples who do not marry are putting their own needs above family duties. This perspective would argue that marriage exists for the sake of the children and not just for adults and a couple who is not married is not stable enough to raise kids well. Family is changing, not deteriorating: This perspective argues that the changes in the family we are experiencing today are extensions of long-standing family patterns. This perspective also notes that there have always been problems in the family, and that today’s families are not as bad off as some people think. If people are living together before getting married, this may be in response to divorce rates that have been increasing over many years. And if in fact people postpone marriage until they are older, are more mature, and have stable careers, this may be a good thing. Also, the family over all is coping with these societal changes and can adapt to alternatives to marriage such a living together. Family is stronger than ever: This perspective would argue that the family is much more strong and loving today than it was in the past because family members have more equitable roles at home and are more accepting of diverse family forms (such as unmarried couple homes). Also, most Americans believe that marriage is a lifetime commitment that should end only under extreme circumstances, and living together before marriage may be a way of trying to make that happen. (Conceptual; pages 18) 105. How have the demographic trends in changing families discussed in the chapter been reflected in your own family? Student can discuss what type of family (married couple with or without children, single parent) or nonfamily household they live in, whether they or anyone in their family is remaining single or cohabiting, whether they or members of their family have divorced and remarried, or if their mothers worked in the paid labor force while they were young, or whether their grandparents are still living. (Applied; pages 18-20) 106. Choose one (or more) of the following macro-level influences on the family and discuss how it has affected your own family: economic forces, technological innovations, popular culture, social movements, and family policies. Economic Forces: The student could discuss how the nature of the economy has changed, such that both their parents had to work or that they are postponing marriage and parenthood to You can buy the this complete file at You can buy the this complete file at get a college education. Student could also discuss negative impacts such as unemployment and job dissatisfaction and their affect on their family. Technological Innovations: The student could discuss how birthrates in their family have declined and how family members are living longer due to medical advances which may result in their parents caring for their grandparents. Student could also discuss the effects of TV, e-mail and the Internet on interactions with family members. Popular Culture: The student could discuss how their families reflect or do not reflect popular culture. Social Movements: The student could discuss how the civil rights movement, the women’s movement, the gay rights movement, or the marriage movement has affected their family. For example, perhaps they themselves or another family member is living in an openly gay or lesbian relationship and are more accepted by their family members because of the gay rights movement. Family Policies: The student could discuss the procedures they went through to legally marry or why they are not allowed to legally marry. (Applied; pages 22-24) Types of Marriages • Conflict-habituated Marriage • Devitalized Marriage • Passive-congenial Marriage • Vital Marriage • Total Marriage  Conflict-Habituated Marriage Partners fight, both verbally and physically, but do not believe that fighting is a good reason for divorce • Partners believe that feuding is an acceptable way to try to solve problems, and thrive on their incompatibility • Usually the reason for conflict is minor and partners rarely resolve disputes  Devitalized Marriage Partners were deeply in love when they first married • As years go by, they spend time together but begin to do so out of obligation rather than romantic love • They get along, and do not consider a divorce • One or both may be unhappy, but they are both resigned to staying married  Passive-Congenial Marriage Partners have low emotional investment in the marriage and few expectations of each other • They are fairly independent, and achieve satisfaction from other relationships (children, friends, coworkers) • Often maintain separate activities and interests • Emphasize the practicality of the marriage over You can buy the this complete file at You can buy the this complete file at emotional intensity  Vital Marriage Partners' lives are closely intertwined • Spend a great deal of time together, resolve conflicts through compromise, and make sacrifices for each other • Consider sex important and pleasurable • When disagreement occurs, it is over a specific issue and is quickly resolved  Total Marriage Partners participate in each other's lives at all levels and have few areas of tension or unresolved hostility • Spouses share many facets of their lives • May work together or have the same friends and outside interests • More encompassing than a vital marriage  Intimacy Revolutions The purpose of marriage has shifted from economic necessity to companionship As a result, romantic partners are expected to fulfill multiple roles: Lover Friend Companion Playmate Co-parent The shift toward companionship, and the expanded roles that thereof, have resulted in other changes to intimate relationships There is a new emphasis on relationships and sexuality We demand more intimacy from our relationships The intense needs of relationships has made them more fragile One example of resisting and redefining the sexual norms defined by dominant society, is the "intimacy revolution" experienced in the U.S.  The Social Construction of Intimacy There are, however, macro-social processes involved in human intimacy Intimate relations are shaped and given meaning by macro-level forces Sexuality is formed by the social system and controlled by those in power You can buy the this complete file at You can buy the this complete file at Particular sexual practices are enforced by dominant society, we can resist and redefine  Forms of Courtship throughout US History Calling Early Dating Traditional Dating Contemporary Dating Online Dating Traditional-Contemporary Combinations  Calling -Began in the 1920's A young man would visit with a young woman at her parents' home Generally, the young man would have been invited by the woman or the woman's parents The aspiring couple would sit on the porch or in the parlors and chat As such, their relationship formed under the supervision of her parents  Early Dating -courting couples began to go out on "dates" The shift from private to public settings No adult supervision The rules governing dating came to be made by peers The economic shift in dating With calling, there were no financial costs to the couple Dating involved the costs of going to dinner, movies, etc. At the time, women rarely made enough money to pay (or even split) the costs of dating As such, men became initiators of the dates  Traditional Dating Predominated through 1970s Was still a formal way of meeting potential spouses Men and women followed clear, culturally-defined gender role scripts Woman asks to be asked out Man picks her up Involves a clear plan for the night (dinner, movies, etc.) Some cultures have "coming out rites" for young men and women who are ready to enter the You can buy the this complete file at You can buy the this complete file at dating world Debutante balls for upper-class Southerners Bat mitzvah for Jewish girls and bar mitzvah for Jewish boys The quinceanera for Latinas Dating can lead to "going steady" Couples who are not necessarily planning to get engaged (at least, not yet) They do, however, view their relationship as exclusive, or monogamous  Contemporary Dating Today, teens are less likely to formally date In college, dating as traditionally known has shift to "group dating" or "hanging out" "Hooking up" has become more common among college students While dating involves planning and mate selection, hooking up is "no-strings-attached" fun Advantages: Less expensive than dating No commitment of time or emotion Physical pleasure Ego boosting Disadvantages: Men more likely than women to initiate sex More than twice as many men as women experience orgasm Both sexes describe women as "*****," and women who hook up get bad reputation  Online Dating Both young and older adults take advantage of the 100s of sites dedicated to matchmaking Websites might simply be a forum of posts, or may have formulas for "scientific matching" based on extensive questionnaires As of 2006, nearly 3 million people have married or entered a long-term relationships with a partner they met online.  Traditional-Contemporary Combinations Traditional dating events such as proms and homecoming dances are still popular The "dinner date" is still popular today, especially among people over the age of 30 Dating is still highly scripted, and the vast majority of dates follow a traditional gender script Men make the plans, drive, initiate physical contact women spend far more time on appearance, etc. You can buy the this complete file at You can buy the this complete file at Women are now more "go Dutch" on dates  Types of Cohabitation --Dating Cohabitation • Premarital Cohabitation • Trial Marriage • Substitute Marriage  Dating Cohabitation • Occurs when a couple who spend a great deal of time together eventually decided to move in together • Essentially an alternative to singlehood, because the decision may be based on a combination of reasons: • Convenience • Finances • Companionship • Sexual accessibility • Such couples are unsure of the quality of the relationship and there is no long-term commitment • In this type of cohabitation, especially among young adults, there is considerable serial cohabitation: • Living with one partner for a time and then with another • Since it is similar to being single, partners might terminate one relationship and then move in with someone else  Premarital Cohabitation • A step between dating and marriage • The couple is testing the relationship before making a final commitment • The couple may or may not be formally engaged, but they plan to marry  Trial Marriage- types of cohabitation • Partners want to see what marriage might be like • Similar to premarital cohabitation, but partners are less certain about their relationship • May be especially attractive for partner who doubt they can deal with problems that arise due to differences in: • Personalities • Finances • Religion • Ethnicity • Interests  Substitute Marriage- types of cohabitation • Long-term commitment between two people who do not plan to marry • Many different motives: • One partner may be legally separated but still married You can buy the this complete file at You can buy the this complete file at • One partner may be divorced and reluctant to remarry • The couple may not feel they need legal certification to prove their love • Some may be morally opposed to marriage  Cohabitation • Cohabitation is not generally replacing marriage • Most people still want to get married • By age 24, people are more likely to be married than living together • By age 39, 65% of people are married and 8% are cohabiting • Most cohabiting relationships are short-lived • About ½ end within one year • More than 90% end by 5th year • When these relationships end, 44% result in marriage • Those with lowest levels of commitment (dating cohabitation) are more likely to split up than those in premarital cohabitation • Serial cohabitation is much more likely than single-instance cohabitation to dissolve rather then end in marriage  Benefits of Cohabitation • Couples can have emotional security of relationships with sense of independence • Can dissolve relationships without legal entanglements • Can leave abusive relationships more easily • Couples who postpone marriage have lower likelihood of divorce because being older is one of best predictors of a stable marriage Can help people find out how much they really care about each other when they have to cope with things like a partner who doesn't pay the bills or is messy • Among unmarried people age 65 and older, cohabitation may increase the chances of receiving care that is usually provided by spouses • Don't have to deal with in-laws • Children can reap some economic advantages by living with two adult earners instead of single mother • Men who experience parenthood during cohabitation are more likely than single fathers to become more committed to the relationship and find employment  Costs of Cohabitation • Some partners experience loss of identity or a feeling of being trapped • Women in cohabiting relationships do more of the cooking and other household tasks than many married women do, especially when the cohabiting man is not committed to the relationship You can buy the this complete file at You can buy the this complete file at • US laws don't specify a cohabitant's responsibilities and rights • Compared with married couples, cohabitants have a weaker commitment to their relationship, have lower levels of happiness and satisfaction, report more alcohol problems, and are more likely to be unfaithful • Spouses who cohabit demonstrate more negative behaviors after marriage (trying to control partner's thoughts or feelings, verbal aggression, and anger) than spouses who don't cohabit  Separation Can be defined many ways Can be temporary time-out from each other May include one person moving out on a "trial separation" to see what it's like Can be a permanent arrangement if couple wants to avoid divorce May be a legal separation—which most states require before the couple can be granted a divorce  Phases of Separation 1. Preseparation 2. Early separation 3. Midseparation 4. Late separation  Preseparation Partners fantasize about what it would be like to live alone, escape family responsibilities, or have sexual relationships with others These fantasies make separation seem appealing In the later stages of this phase, the couple splits up after a period of gradual emotional alienation Partners weigh the financial costs of divorce with the emotional and psychological rewards of divorce Couples often maintain public pretense that nothing is wrong  Early Separation Partners start confronting the important questions: Who do they tell? Who gets what? What is ultimately going to happen with the relationship? Must confront economic issues Especially important for many women Their economic survival may depend on how expenses and resources are divided  Midseparation Couples establish two households and begin dealing You can buy the this complete file at You can buy the this complete file at with the stress this causes Usually a time of very high stress, as the new reality sets in Many couples will experience "pseudo-reconciliation" Particularly common among couples that have been married for 10+ years Though they may move back in together, this reunion rarely lasts  Late Separation Partners learn how to survive as singles again Work out how to deal with mutual friends Seek to help kids deal with this change Often a time when adults grow: Go back to school Form new friendships Enjoy greater independence  categories of reasons that people divorce: 1. Macro/societal 2. Demographic 3. Micro/interpersonal  Macro/Societal Reasons Divorce Laws Every state has no-fault divorces, so neither partner needs to establish guilt or wrongdoing on the part of the other. Before no-fault laws, the divorce partner had to prove that the other was to blame for collapse of the marriage because of adultery, desertion, or physical or mental cruelty Societal Acceptance Lawyers, judges, accountants, marriage counselors, mediators, etc. can all make money from divorces The increasing number of people in the divorce sector sends message to couples Religious Institutions No religion encourages divorce They do, however, affect divorce rates Many American religions endorse marriage, but allow divorce, welcome divorced people into congregation, and accept/encourage remarriage Economy In times of recession/depression, divorces decrease You can buy the this complete file at You can buy the this complete file at because couples cannot afford to go through the process Although money problems can create more stress and disagreement Economy also affects quality of marriage People are working more hours per week for less money Both partners may be working Job instability all affect marital happiness Military Service Can help marriages because recruits can take advantage of new educational and employment opportunities, decreasing stress However, wars decrease marital happiness (long deployment, new life experiences, PTSD, etc.) 1 in every 5 married enlisted service members has filed for divorce since the beginning of the Iraq war, an increase of 44% since 2001. Cultural Values: 67% of Americans think that children are better off if their unhappy parents divorce rather than remain together In 2008,a larger percent of Americans said the divorce is more acceptable than gambling (63%), having a baby outside wedlock (55%), or abortion (40%) Americans are increasingly concerned with individual happiness of family commitments Social Integration: Changes in cultural values and emphasis on individualism has decreased social integration Less social integration increases divorce rates Fewer ties with outsiders means less support, advice, and encouragement to stay together Technology: Has made divorce more accessible Can file for divorce online Technology and the internet may invite impulsiveness Some reason to believe that online dating increases chances of later divorce  Demographic Reasons Parental Divorce: If the parents of one or both partners in a marriage were divorced while they were young, the partners themselves are more likely to divorce Children of divorce are less likely to be able to afford You can buy the this complete file at You can buy the this complete file at college College tends to delay marriage Marrying young increases the risk of divorce Age at Marriage: Early age at marriage (especially younger than 18), increases the risk of divorce May be one of the strongest predictors After 10 years of marriage, 48% of first marriages among women younger than 18 have dissolved compared with 24% of first marriages among women who were 25+ Those who delay marriage until their 20s are more mature and better able to handle life challenges Also, teen marriages are often hastened by premarital pregnancy, another high risk factor Premarital Pregnancy and Childbearing: Women who conceive or give birth before marriage have higher divorce rates than women who wait until marriage Divorce is especially likely for adolescent parents, who generally lack education and have low of incomes Premarital Cohabitation Increases risk of divorce Risk of divorce is highest among those who engage in serial cohabitation Cohabitors tend to have more lenient attitudes about divorce and weaker commitment to marriage Presence of children Presence of preschool children, especially firstborn children, seem to increase marital stability This may reflect the fact that some couples stay together because of children When children are older, especially teens, couples may have fewer incentives to stay together Gender Women are twice as likely as men to initiate divorce Across all age groups, women in unhappy marriages are more likely to seek a divorce if they can support themselves Race and Ethnicity: You can buy the this complete file at You can buy the this complete file at African American women have the lowest marriage rates, but higher divorce rates than Latinas and Asian American women African Americans are more likely to divorce than members of any other racial group in the U.S. These differences persist at all income, age, educational, and occupational levels Social Class: Low educational attainment, high unemployment rates and poverty increase chances for divorce Going to college postpones marriages, with the result that college graduates are more mature, experienced, and capable of dealing with personal crises when they marry Have higher incomes and better health care, which reduces stress Education is closely related to income, and low income a risk factor Religion: Most people marry within their religion Those who are religious report more marital happiness and more commitment to their marriages, and tend to have lower divorce rates However, such findings vary depending on the spouses' participation in religious services If marital couples attend religious services together on weekly or monthly basis, they tend to fight less and to interact more frequently However, conflict arises when one person is more religious than another Similarity between Spouses: When spouses are similar to each other in terms of age, religion, race, ethnicity, and education, they are less likely to divorce Interracial marriages have a high likelihood of ending in divorce, especially marriages between white women and black men  Micro/Interpersonal Reasons In general, because people tend to live longer than in the past, couple may spend significantly longer period of time together This means more chance of strain, stress, annoyance, etc. Common sources of stress in marriage include: You can buy the this complete file at You can buy the this complete file at Unrealistic expectations Conflict and abuse Infidelity Communication issues Unrealistic Expectations: People now have fewer children and more time to focus on their relationships as a couple One result is greater chance that one spouse will become disillusioned Couples compare themselves to unrealistic images in films and on TV, and conclude that their marriage is not as enjoyable as it should be Conflict and Abuse Abuse is a strong predictor of divorce Most abusers do not change their behaviors 42% of women and 9% of men report domestic violence as the major cause of divorce Infidelity In any give year, about 4% of married people have sex outside of their marriage (4% of men, 3% of women) Over lifetime, about 16% say they have had extramarital sex (21% of men, 12% of women) These rates are about the same for committed, but unmarried relationships Communication couples who stay together: Listen to each other respectfully even when they disagree, Do not start discussions with accusatory statements Have more positive than negative interactions  Exchange Theories of Families -Individuals seek things, and relationships that they see as beneficial to them -rational actor is level-headed in their ability to calculate cost and reward  Exchange Theories of Families: Cost and rewards - A reward is anything that is perceived as beneficial to an actor's interests -A cost is any expenditure required to obtain a reward -A Cost can also be viewed as a negative dimension of rewards -A Cost also includes any missed opportunities brought You can buy the this complete file at You can buy the this complete file at about by a choice(opportunity cost) -Rewards and costs are broadly defined (e.g.,time,money, personal safety,social standing, level of stress,career opportunities, emotional health, etc.)  Exchange Theories of Families: Profit or Maximizing Utility -Profit is defined as the ratio of rewards to costs for any decision -Actors calculate this ratio for all possible choices in a given situation -Actors will choose the action that they calculate will bring about the greatest reward and/or the least cost -This attempt to optimize the reward/cost ratio is also known as maximizing utility  Exchange Theories of Family Comparison Level(CL) and Comparison Level for Alternatives (CL+) -In complex situations, the evaluation of profit can be divided into 2 levels (CL and CL+) -Comparison Level(CL) is a comparison of what others in your position have and how well you are doing relative to them -Comparison Level for Alternatives (CL+) is a comparison of how well you are doing relative to others outside of your position, but in positions that provide an alternative or choice Example: A social worker is offered a position with a local community agency, with a starting annual salary of $35,000. While considering the offer, she makes two comparisons: -How does this salary compare with that of other social workers? (CL) -How does this salary compare with what I might earn if I go into another field, such as corporate sales, etc.? (CL+) -The role of comparisons in evaluations is particularly useful when researchers seek to explain family phenomena such as the decision to divorce -For example, if a wife is trying to decide whether or not to seek a divorce, she may compare: -The profit ratio for her marriage versus what she perceives other wives are receiving (CL) -The profit as a wife in her current marriage versus the perceived profit in other possible situations, such as divorced or remarried (CL+) Term voluntary temporary Definition unmarried adults who may be delaying marriage while pursuing education or establishing a career. You can buy the this complete file at You can buy the this complete file at Term voluntary stable Definition unmarried adults desiring a single (unmarried) lifestyle Term involuntary temporary singles Definition singles actively searching for a mate but unable to find a suitable one Term involuntary stable singles Definition unmarried adults who can expect to be single for life even though they may not want to be Term "never married" vs. divorced Definition You can buy the this complete file at You can buy the this complete file at young people are most likely to have never married and to be currently single, older people may have married in the past, but are often single due to widowhood Term never married Definition postponing marriage -high divorce rate discouraging -postponing having children -individualistic orientation Term widowed Definition -women much more likely then men -partner availability may be difficult -may choose not to remarry -may choose to cohabitate for benefit purpose -ever increasing proportion of singles Term single Definition You can buy the this complete file at You can buy the this complete file at anyone who is not married Term homogamy Definition we are in relationships with people like ourselves Term propinquity Definition geographic closeness to others Term intimacy Definition feeling of closeness in meaningful relationships characterized by sharing of personal experiences, thought and emotions Term attachment theory (Bowlby, 1969) You can buy the this complete file at You can buy the this complete file at Definition four categories of attachment: -secure -ambivalent -avoidant -disorganized/disoriented Term adult romantic attachments Definition -adult romantic relationships correspond to the infant attachments: -secure attachments -anxious attachments -avoidant attachments Term love Definition three components: -emotional -cognitive -behavioral love is influenced by societal forces Term societal forces You can buy the this complete file at You can buy the this complete file at Definition influences coming from or relating to society: -shared values -beliefs -prejudices -religious views Term John Lee's Types of Love: agape Definition selfless love Term John Lee's Types of Love:eros Definition "erotic" or desirous, love & chemistry Term John Lee's Types of Love:storge Definition affectionate love, friendship You can buy the this complete file at You can buy the this complete file at Term John Lee's Types of Love:ludus Definition playful, love, flirtatious Term John Lee's Types of Love:mania Definition dysfunctional love, "stalker" love Term John Lee's Types of Love:pragma Definition practical love, economic/emotional security Term gender differences in relationships Definition -women tend to disclose more than males -girls tend to develop more intimate friendships -boys tend to focus on physical activities You can buy the this complete file at You can buy the this complete file at Term sternberg's triangular theory of love Definition three points of triangle: -passion -intimacy -commitment Term reiss's wheel of love Definition building rapport-self-revelation- mutual dependency-personality need fulfillment Term unrequited love Definition when love is not returned -more attractive rejects less attractive -less serious rejects more serious Term selection effect for cohabitation You can buy the this complete file at You can buy the this complete file at Definition an explanation for the fact that people who cohabit tend to be the same ones who later divorce Term selection effect for marriage Definition the hypothesis that people who marry may be different from those who do not marry, for example, they may be happier, healthier, and have more money Term cohabitation Definition an arrangement in which two people live together without being married Term cross-sex friendship Definition friendship between a man and woman that is strictly platonic You can buy the this complete file at You can buy the this complete file at Term dating scripts Definition set of expectations around dating that are somewhat different for men and women Term pool of eligibles Definition the group from which are likely to choose our mates Term biochemical theory of love Definition theories that suggest humans are attracted to certain types of people, at which point the brain releases natural chemicals that give us a rush we experience as sexual attraction Term calling You can buy the this complete file at You can buy the this complete file at Definition dating practice of the 18th and 19th centuries in which a young man would visit a young woman in her parents home Term functions of dating Definition -provides fun and recreation -offers companionship -allows intimacy -confers social status -assists in mate selection Term voluntary temporary Definition unmarried adults who may be delaying marriage while pursuing education or establishing a career. Term voluntary stable Definition unmarried adults desiring a single (unmarried) lifestyle Term involuntary temporary singles Definition singles actively searching for a mate but unable to find a suitable one Term involuntary stable singles Definition unmarried adults who can expect to be single for life even though they may not want to be Term "never married" vs. divorced Definition You can buy the this complete file at You can buy the this complete file at young people are most likely to have never married and to be currently single, older people may have married in the past, but are often single due to widowhood Term never married De