Understanding the Evolution of Family in America

Traditional Family Structure

• The image of a family: married couple with two and a half kids.
• Only a minority of American families are traditional two-parent nuclear families today.
• The concept of family is experiencing a cultural lag, rooted in outdated ideals from 1950-1965.

Historical Perspective on Families

• Historical Role of Family:

  • Traditionally, families were economic units essential for farm work.
  • In 1800, 75% of American workers were farmers; the rest worked in family businesses.
  • Many used to live in extended families, providing social and economic support during crises.

• Victorian Era:

  • Peak of extended families in the U.S. and Britain.
  • Families were moral units; children learned values within these structures.

Shift to Nuclear Families

• The migration of young people to cities for factory jobs led to the rise of nuclear families.
• By 1960, nearly 78% of children lived in nuclear families, supported by a "cult of togetherness."
  • High social pressures promoted this family structure.

Conditions for Nuclear Family Success

• Economic prosperity post-WWII enabled single-income households.
• Women's roles were predominantly domestic.
• High union membership and social trust contributed to family stability.

Decline of the Nuclear Family

• By 1965, traditional nuclear family structures began to decline:
  • Increased rates of living alone, late marriages, and higher divorce rates.
  • Fertility rates are dropping.
  • The burden of family work has shifted disproportionately to less affluent households.
    • Women are still doing more housework and childcare.

Affluent vs. Less Affluent Families

• Affluent families can compensate for the loss of extended family support.
• The change from extended to nuclear families benefits privileged individuals.
• Global Context: 38% of people globally still live in extended families (e.g., Gambia, Mexico).

Disadvantages of Extended Families

• Lack of privacy and the burden of household responsibilities on women.

Emergence of Chosen Families

• Gained prominence in the 1980s within the LGBTQ+ community.
• Individuals disconnected from their biological families form chosen families for support.
• Chosen families share life’s challenges and rewards, fostering equitable relationships.

Conclusion: Re-defining Family

• A family provides care and unconditional love.
• The bonds in chosen families are non-transactional and deeply rooted in emotional connection, reflecting a hopeful evolution in societal structures.

Call to Action

• David Brooks encourages readers to engage with his work and explore related conversations through platforms like The Atlantic.