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Part Five Dimensions of Families
Families are as varied as people themselves. A family consisting of a
father, mother, and children is only one type. Variations are caused not
only by the different relationships within families, but also by different
economic and social needs. Variations also occur because of a family’s
cultural heritage. In this chapter, you will learn more about family life
and how it has changed through the years.
The Changing Family
Many of you have heard grandparents and parents describe their
childhood years. Their stories may seem unfamiliar. Many family
activities and functions they describe are no longer typical of the
family today.
In early history, families hunted and gathered food in order to
survive. Family members fi lled roles that allowed the family to live
off the land and to be protected from predatory animals. Permanent
communities were not possible as the family groups continually moved
to fi nd food. This ability to adapt to changing needs is a characteristic
that has been important to families throughout the years.
As agriculture evolved, families set up permanent homes and
acquired land. Each family was independent and able to meet its own
needs by assigning a variety of tasks to family members.
The Industrial Revolution brought new pressures on society and
the family. Families moved from rural areas to urban areas. Family
members no longer worked solely for the survival of their own family.
Instead, they took jobs that served a larger group, but provided income
to purchase food and clothing for family members. Families thus
became dependent on other families and adopted the role of consumers.
Urban centers grew in population, while the number of people living
in rural areas declined. The father typically was the main provider. His
parenting role was limited to the short time he was home from his job.
The mother, who usually was a full-time homemaker, provided the
main care for the children. Marriages were based on meeting people’s
needs as well as on love. The government took over some of the family
functions, such as providing for the education of the children.
The technological age that followed continues to affect families
today. More jobs became available in a variety of businesses. Rural areas
continued to decrease in population. Urban areas grew as they attracted
people seeking careers in emerging technological fi elds. Household
care was made easier with new equipment. Women began to join the
workforce in greater numbers. Child care needs were met by child care
providers in homes, nursery schools, or child care centers.