Choose a married family type other than the heterosexual nuclear family. Describe the family type and discuss two sociological findings about this type of family (research or concepts).

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Correct answers will vary but could discuss single-parent families, stepfamilies, or gay and lesbian families. Single-parent families: The United States has the highest rate in the world. Nonresident parents have a bad reputation, but many want to be involved; however, they face hurdles to involvement. This may be because of emotional issues of separation and the heartache caused by only having brief intermittent time with their children. It can be a practical issue in which it is hard to juggle money or to spend enough time together with children. Stepfamilies or blended families are families that have at least one child from a previous relationship or marriage living with the family in the newly formed relationship or marriage. About one third of American children live in stepfamily arrangements. Stepchildren can have more difficulties at school or with behavioral issues and create complexity as children try to spend time with each parent, a situation that can cause stress. Stepparents may come to resent time spent with the other family, or there can be conflicts over loyalty or allocation of time and money. Stepfamilies are "incomplete institutions," and roles within them may not be clear, which can cause difficulties, resentment, and confusion. Same-sex marriage has been legalized in the United States and in other countries of the world. Gay and lesbians share some similarities with heterosexual families, but they do tend to be more reflexive and democratic in their family decisions and practices. They also are less constrained by gender roles, and that allows for more negotiation over relational and family practices. Gay male relationships are more fragile, and lesbian relationships are more stable family forms. No adverse effects on children of gay and lesbian parents have been found by the research.