How will families continue to change within the next 10 years?

Throughout this course, we have studied many ways in which American families have continued to evolve since the mid-twentieth century. The U.S. Census Bureau indicates 2.58 as an average household size (2010). Many of these households have non-traditional arrangements. For example, grandparents raising their grandchildren (39.2%), same-sex couples (6%) and female-headed households (ranging between 10%-30%). Johnson (2012) reports that American families will become more complex. While the “traditional” couple redefines its role in our society as the “dual” earner couple, we know the dual earner couples have many unique challenges to face. Think back to reading 25, the couple that we know way too well: The Holts. Hochschild (2011) argues that most dual-earner couples are like The Holts – in disharmony. Is disharmony among couples to blame for the crisis arising in family life? Are all dual earner couples in disharmony?

Are there changes families can make to balance work and family life? Throughout the readings many authors mentioned government initiated safety nets, such has flexible work hours, child care stipends, etc. Do we need governmental interventions to help maintain family life?

As Female-headed households continue to grow as high as 30% in some cultures, the Council on Families in America grassroots effort, “every child has a right to a father” is not without criticism (Giele, 2011, reading 5). All families seem to, in some way, face the dilemma of “material poverty” vs. “time poverty.” The concept of going without the basics in order to spend more time with your family vs. making ends meet, but not having enough time with your family. These familial struggles will continue to impact family life as we look to the future.