Introduction
American families were subject to a continuous evolution due to changing external circumstances, and this fact explains drastic changes in these institutions over time. Moreover, the beliefs attributed to them were conditional not only upon such shifts but also on valued emotions (Poptech, 2011). Therefore, it is critical to examine the process of formation of present-day family life through the lens of its transformation and principal characteristics.
Family Life: Three Periods
At the time of Colonial America, during the consequent period of the emerging modern family, and after the formation of the contemporary family, the situation of this institution differed drastically. First, before 1820, Americans emphasized the alleged economic dependency of women on their husbands, and this fact determined their seemingly disadvantaged position (Cohen, 2020). Moreover, they emphasized the correlation between one’s marital status and success in life (Cohen, 2020). Later on, during 1820-1900, the perceptions shifted toward the significance of individual choices and increased autonomy (Cohen, 2020). For family life, it meant that the evolution of gender roles resulted in women actively exercising their rights and freedoms, and divorces became common (Cohen, 2020). Consequently, during 1900-1960, modern families appeared, and they were characterized by an earlier age of getting married and poor economic conditions, which implied cooperation for survival (Cohen, 2020). Thus, over history, families went through periods of dependency on women, their increasing freedom, and combined efforts.
The Origins of the American Family
The “origins” of the American family can be viewed as the consequences of external factors, which affected marriage. In the beginning, they were related to men’s greater capability in providing for families, which determined their significant roles (Cohen, 2020). Subsequently, economic hardships presented by the Great Depression underpinned the feasibility of working together within families to survive (Cohen, 2020). In addition, the growing importance of women as citizens and voters served as the basis for their current position (Cohen, 2020). These processes were supported by the emotional aspect since the protection of women and children was contrasted by their oppression (Poptech, 2011). According to Dr. Coontz, this cultural problem was vital for people, and it was the basis for relationships (Poptech, 2011). This conflict was critical for the institution of family in the country and contributed to the stance that it originated from unequal rights of husbands and wives.
“Broad Perspective” and Families
From the sociological perspective, economic considerations best explain families today and their transformation. In particular, the lack of dependency of young people on one another for survival leads to the emphasis on other issues in relationships, such as companionship, love, or friendship (Cohen, 2020). For example, in my family, there is no pressure on its members based on such obligations. This fact proves that the absence of financial hardships makes people focus on their emotions.
People’s Beliefs Regarding Families
Many people tend to think that the family as an institution should be the same throughout history and among different cultures because of their fear of instability. As can be seen from different periods, most struggles of citizens were related to unexpected changes in the environment, which could be addressed only collectively (Cohen, 2020). Therefore, the attempts to claim the similarity of situations regardless of personal circumstances lead to this misconception.
Conclusion
To summarize, the evolution of American families was primarily guided by economic considerations. From this point of view, this institution originated from people’s financial hardships. The circumstances have changed for the better, and at present, people emphasize the importance of feelings instead of practical matters when deciding to get married. Thus, their beliefs regarding the similarity of families in different cultures are based on the fear of not being able to provide for themselves.
References
Cohen, P. N. (2020). The family: Diversity, inequality, and social change (3rd ed.). W. W. Norton & Company.
Poptech. (2011). Stephanie Coontz: On marriage[Video]. YouTube.