Shifting family structure

Shifting Family Structure
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Shifting Family Structure
Ionut discusses several changes in family structures, from the traditional structure to modern alternatives. The traditional family structure according, to Murdock, is comprised of two adults from both sexes, and a child or children, born of these adults. Ionut claims that this structure does not consider numerous families present in the twentieth century due to different social movements (Anastasiu, 2012). Some of the changes in the family structure include single-parent families, families living together out of wedlock, lack of children in the family, divorced and remarried couples, heterosexual families, and families with more than two adults.
The first structural change which Ionut explains is families that are not legally married. Traditionally, two adults had to be legally married to live together as a family. In modern family structures, two adults can cohabit and have children without the legality of marriage (Anastasiu, 2012). Another structural change is single parenthood, wherein modern days, families can have one adult with children under eighteen, and often the adult is female (Anastasiu, 2012). This structure is a change from the traditional concept of two adults and a child or children. Ionut also mentions a change in family structure that entails two adults who decide to stay without children (Anastasiu, 2012). In the ancient days, all families had children, an element that changed in current family structures.
Traditional family structures were permanent, such that the family would remain with the same members unless the children grew up and married or the members passed away. Current family structures have changed that into divorces and remarriages (Anastasiu, 2012). Two adults can stay together for a while and decide to have a divorce. Divorced people can...