Chapter Objectives
After studying this chapter, you will be able to
•
analyze the trends contributing to the
changing family.
•
compare functions of the family in various
cultures.
•
explain the relationship between family roles
and responsibilities.
•
list characteristics of strong families.
•
describe common family structures.
•
describe the six stages of the family life cycle.
In preparation for reading
this chapter, read a
newspaper, a magazine, or
an online article on family
trends today. As you read,
keep in mind the author’s
main points and conclusions.
Reading Prep
Key Concepts
•
Families must be fl exible as they adapt to changing societal,
demographic, and economic trends.
•
Families perform many basic functions that are similar from
culture to culture.
•
Family roles are defi ned by responsibilities. How people fulfi ll
their responsibilities determines to a large extent how well they
perform their roles.
•
Your family life cycle may consist of six stages that start with
marriage (the beginning stage) and end with the aging stage.
14
Family Life
Today
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