Question

Is the American Family better off today than it was in the 1960’s? Explain your point of view.

Answer 1

The 1950s and 60s witnessed a different family life and operating dynamics altogether. It consisted of breadwinner fathers going to work and the caregiving/nurturing mother taking care of the household. According to economists of the time, it was the most efficient family structure. Everyone had their own specific set of jobs to perform in their private and public life. Majority of the children were in fact raised in such family structures. This is however changed drastically post the industrial revolution and the face of the work-culture has been filled with diversity. In fact most other kind of family structures have fanned out and replaced the typical dominant structure as described above. Pre-dominant family structures nowadays comprise of the dual income system. Distinct needs and challenges are also recognised which are faced by the children growing up in diverse family systems. It was understood that different family types may have different impact on the children as well as their psyche. Also, recently a starking rise in the divorce rates has been witnessed which is usually treated as bad news today. However, it could mean that fact that people put forth their happiness/well-being before societal norms and are willing to take risks for the same.