Question

Since 1960, American marital and familial arrangements have been undergoing dramatic changes. Answer the following questions based on some of the new family structures we are observing.

1. Why are blended families more unstable than traditional families?

2. Do single-parent families have more of a positive or more of a negative effect on the well-being of children?

3. Why are some married women choosing not to have children?

4. Are cohabiting relationships stronger than marital relationships?

5. What demographic groups are more and less likely to support same-sex marriage?

Answer 1

• 2.Single parent families are not always negative as they are always portrayed.They can have positive effects on the child's well being as well.Spending one-on-one time with the little one creates a unique bond which will be stronger than the one if they were a nuclear parent. It goes in the case of custodial parents (one who has sole physical custody of the child) and also non-custodial parents who play a significant role in their child’s lives.
  
• Children who have single parents will also have many supporters. Most cases, the extended family members will play a unique role in a child’s life. Single parents who do not live with their extended families will try participating in community groups which may include single parent support groups, synagogues and churches.
• Children will find their parents working hard, and it will force them to collaborate and work along with their parents. Additionally, the children will also learn to manage their disappointments in life.
• There will be no parental conflict, and it eases tension and stress for both the parent and the child. It will be true in the case of the former partner being abusive or the relationship was controversial. If there are no arguments or conflicts, the child will feel more secure in her living environment.
  
• 3.For women,the idea of getting married and having children has changed over the years.This does not remain the ultimate goal for them anymore.The stereotypical roles of a wife and a mother and taking care of the house are the categories which a woman of today doesnt want to be boxed in anymore.This is why,they are getting married late and also making a choice of having a child or not.The reason could be more focus on careers and being financially independet,to achieve more in life and live life the way they want to.
• Some are enviornmentally conscious and instead of giving birth,they are focusing on adopting,some want to travel,meet new people and have new experiences and that cannot happen when you have child.There is more to a woman than just being a mother.Some cannot cope with motherhood as well.
• Due to time limit,remaining questions can be asked as another question,they will be answered,thankyou for your cooperation