Annual Editions: The Family 07/08

UNIT 1. Varied Perspectives on the Family1. The World Historical Transformation of Marriage, Stephanie Coontz, Journal of Marriage and Family, November 2004Historian Stephanie Coontz takes the long view of over 5,000 years of recorded history on marriage and its evolution over time. Many of the assumptions we have about marriage and family are based on a very immediate notion of "tradition," and, as she indicates, much of what we see as "new" has actually existed in the past and served the needs of family members at that time.2. Children as a Public Good, Myra H. Strober, Dissent, Fall 2004In an individualistic society, like the United States, children as a private good are often emphasized. Myra Strober, an economist, presents quite a different model, one of children as a public good and one that requires collective solutions to issues related to their care.3. Families and Family Study in International Perspective, Bert N. Adams, Journal of Marriage and Family, December 2004In an increasingly globalized world, families and family processes must be understood from a broader perspective. The author argues that an international perspective on the family-which incorporates regional limitations-provides us with better tools to research, teach about, and serve families.UNIT 2. Exploring and Establishing RelationshipsPart A. Biology, Socialization, and Our View of the World4. Gender Bender, Sadie F. Dingfelder, APA Monitor on Psychology, April 2004The author describes recent research evidence on the role of genes and prenatal hormones in gender identity and gender-related behaviors. These findings help illuminate the interplay between nature and nurture in boys' and girls' behavior.5. What Makes You Who You Are, Matt Ridley, Time, June 2, 2003The debate about what shapes us most, environment or genes, is very old. After combing through the data, some scientists are certain that it is a combination of nature and nurture, not one or the other, that determines who we are and how we behave.Part B. Emotions and Relating6. This Thing Called Love, Lauren Slater, National Geographic, February 2006What we recognize as passionate love or infatuation share a chemical profile that is surprisingly similar to that of obsessive-compulsive disorder. In order for relationships to last, we cannot depend on retaining feelings of passionate love throughout the duration of the relationship.7. Great Expectations, Polly Shulman, Psychology Today, March/April 2004The expectation that our partner should be our soul mate is-according to this article that combines the research and experience of many relationship experts-a recipe for disaster and unhappiness.Part C. Mate Selection8. Go Ahead, Kiss Your Cousin: Heck, Marry Her If You Want To, Richard Conniff, Discover, August 2003Contrary to common belief, one of the most common sources of a spouse has traditionally been cousins, even first cousins. Shared values and proximity make such unions attractive. One fear of these unions, risk to offspring, may be less serious than commonly thought. Children produced from these unions are only at a slightly higher genetic risk than the general population.9. Interracial Intimacy, Randall Kennedy, The Atlantic Monthly, December 2002Increasing numbers of people are choosing to date and marry persons of a race different from their own. The development of this trend is being met with resistance-more often by African Americans than others. Some see this as a racial betrayal, others view it as an individual choice, and a third, smaller group, sees it as a positive step.10. New Technologies and Our Feelings: Romance on the Internet, Christine Rosen, Current, June 2004Pressed for time and stressed by the process, increasing numbers of individuals are turning to electronic means of finding dating and mating partners. The author discusses the pros and cons of these approaches.Part D. Sexuality11. Lust for the Long Haul, Elizabeth Devita-Raeburn, Psychology Today, January/February 2006To reach the goal of a passionate and rewarding sex life, it is important to understand oneself and one's partner. Instead of focusing on the mechanics of sexuality, couples should focus on such things as what they communicate and how they communicate it.12. Reinventing Sex, Eric Garland, The Futurist, November/December 2004Changing attitudes, behaviors, and resources will affect how we approach sex and sexuality in the future. Already, we are seeing an expansion of choices facilitated by advances in communication and sensory technology, with broad options in the future.Part E. Conception and Pregnancy13. A New Fertility Factor, Alice D. Domar, Newsweek, September 27, 2004The mind-body connection is considered an important factor in conception. While fertility-drug injections are still used to help establish a pregnancy, alternative health care methods-complementary medicines such as meditation, yoga, relaxation therapy, and psychotherapy-are increasingly used for women. The stress of procreation failure creates anxiety and depression, which interferes with fertility.14. The Abortion Wars: 30 Years After Roe v. Wade, Linda Feldmann, The Christian Science Monitor, January 22, 2003Abortion, although legal in the United States, is highly controversial. With increasingly conservative legislatures, those who hope to make abortion illegal see new possibilities for that to happen. Others who believe the choice of abortion should remain legal think that physicians should be trained in the procedure.15. Brave New Babies, Claudia Kalb, Newsweek, January 26, 2004Whether or not to have a child is not the only decision facing some parents. The power to choose the sex of their children is now a possibility, and some parents are electing to do so-sometimes for controversial reasons.16. Barren, Deborah Derrickson Kossmann, Psychotherapy Networker, July/August 2002This first-person account of the heartbreak of infertility covers the lovemaking-to-making-babies transition, miscarriages, medical treatments, struggles with choices and options, and the effects on both partners and their relationship. The ending is not a storybook one, but a realistic resolution.Part F. The Next Generation17. Who's Raising Baby?, Anne R. Pierce, The World & I, February 2002What happens to self-esteem and emotional/personality development when babies are rushed to do everything sooner and better than others? The author contends that parenting and intimacy should be more about love and learning. Through play, babies discover their individuality and genetically driven interests. Pressuring them to conform to gender-stereotyped activities (e.g. sports vs. ballet) or academic pursuits is miseducation.18. And Now, the Hard Part: That Sweet Little Thing Is About to Commandeer Your Life, Lauren Picker, Newsweek, April 25, 2005Most couples look forward to the birth of their first child. But wait! Research strongly indicates that new parents face a steep decline in marital satisfaction after "that sweet little thing" arrives. The causes and consequences of this major swing in feelings are explored.19. Adopting a New American Family, Jamie Chamberlin, Monitor on Psychology, December 2005Adoption in the United States has changed radically during the past 20 years. Sensitivity to racial and cultural variations among families and family members, as well as an openness in communication among birth and adoptive family members, is increasingly needed.20. After the Bliss, Shelley Page, Adoptive Families, July/August 2003Contrary to a common myth that they "did it the easy way," many adoptive parents experience a range of emotions after they bring their child home with them. Post-Adoption Depression Syndrome (PADS) can result and can compromise their ability to function. This article provides information on the syndrome and ways in which adoptive mothers and fathers can deal with it.UNIT 3. Finding a Balance: Maintaining RelationshipsPart A. Marriage and Other Committed Relationships21. Contextual Influences on Marriage: Implications for Policy and Intervention, Benjamin R. Karney and Thomas N. Bradbury, Current Directions in Psychological Science, August 2005Current proposals to promote and strengthen marriage among low-income populations are based on research conducted on assumptions related to middle-class families and may not be appropriate for the populations for which they are intended. The authors argue that the cultural and social context must be taken into account for programs to succeed.22. Marriage at First Sight, Paula Span, Washington Post, February 23, 2003Arranged marriages have a long history in Indian society. Many families have brought this tradition with them to the United States where Indian immigrants, including professional women, choose to marry in this way.Part B. Relationships Between Parents and Children23. Kaleidoscope of Parenting Cultures, Vidya Thirumurthy, Childhood Education, Winter 2004Parenting styles differ from culture to culture. For example, some cultures value individualism while others value cooperation. Thirumurthy shares with the reader what some of the various styles are and what the impact is on children and schools.24. Spanking Children: Evidence and Issues, Alan E. Kazdin and Corina Benjet, Current Directions in Psychological Science, June 2003Disciplinary measures, especially spanking, have always generated controversy. Alan Kazdin and Corina Benjet discuss how spanking should be defined and offer three different views of spanking. This article describes research on spanking and the impact of such punishment on development processes.25. Stress and the Superdad, Michele Orecklin, Time, August 23, 2004Fathers, like mothers, struggle to balance the competing needs and pressures of work and family. Orecklin provides data on fathers' values and behaviors and discusses how fathers balance work and home.26. The Kids Are All Right, Sadie F. Dingfelder, Monitor on Psychology, December 2005Contrary to some commonly held beliefs about children raised by gay or lesbian parents, 30 years of research have demonstrated that these children are no less healthy than those raised by heterosexual parents.27. What About Black Fathers?, Ronald B. Mincy, The American Prospect, April 8, 2002Public policy regarding parental responsibilities needs to attend to the particular concerns of low income African American fathers. These men may not marry their partner, but many remain involved in their children's lives. Thus, the emphasis should be on strengthening existing family forms rather than enforcing a simplisitic solution.28. Adoption by Lesbian Couples, Susan Golombok, British Medical Journal, June 15, 2002This article addresses the controversy regarding potential short- and long-term risks to children raised in same-sex households. In the review of the literature, the author found no difference between children raised in same-sex households and those raised by heterosexual couples.29. Are Married Parents Really Better for Children?, Mary Parke, Family Focus on Marriage, September 2003The author chronicles the changes in family structure and the impact on children (or lack thereof) from those changes.30. The Perma Parent Trap, Pamela Paul, Psychology Today, September/October 2003As life demands increase and expectations for what their life should be like, young Americans are moving back in with their parents and depending on them for financial help. Although parents are often supportive of these choices, the result may be financial and emotional strain for the parents.Part C. Other Family Relationships31. Being a Sibling, Steven L. Baumann, Tina Taylor Dyches, and Marybeth Braddick, Nursing Science Quarterly, January 2005Being a sibling can be challenging and paradoxical. It can also provide us with opportunities and rewards. In this study, the authors look at the question of what it means to be a sibling, especially when one's brother or sister is recognizably different from others.32. Aunties and Uncles, John Tyler Connoley, The Advocate, June 8, 2004"Family" can mean much more than the people who are legally our kin. John Tyler Connoley grew up as a missionary kid, surrounded by a family that included many loving and caring people to whom he had no legal tie. He has continued this inclusive view of family and has maintained it in his current home.33. Roles of American Indian Grandparents in Times of Cultural Crisis, Rockey Robbins et al., Journal of Cultural Diversity, Summer 2005Grandparents often serve an important role in the lives of young people and this is seen clearly in this article on the role of American Indian grandparents. In this context, grandparents serve to reinforce and teach their grandchildren about traditional tribal values and knowledge, as well as serve as an anchor to the tribal past.34. Aging Japanese Pen Messages to Posterity, Anthony Faiola, The Washington Post, April 11, 2005In a culture that values emotional restraint, writing an "ending note" has become a meaningful way for Japanese elderly to tell their family about their thoughts, feelings, and life experiences that they could never have expressed with the spoken word.UNIT 4. Challenges and OpportunitiesPart A. Family Violence and Chaos35. Hitting Home, Cara Feinberg, The American Prospect, April 8, 2002This article discusses the potential risks of promoting marriage as the primary solution for social and moral problems and of making divorce more difficult, even when violence is present in the relationship. Combined with a "blame the victim" mentality, these efforts threaten to roll back efforts to combat domestic violence.36. The Myths and Truths of Family Abduction, Nancy B. Hammer, USA Today, September 2003The most common image of child abduction is that of a stranger abducting the child. In fact, the most common form of abduction is by a family member, usually the non-custodial parent.Part B. Infidelity37. Love But Don't Touch, Mark Teich, Psychology Today, March/April 2006Often seen as less serious than a sexual affair, when one partner has an emotional affair it can have a devastating effect on a couple's relationship. Emotional affairs may not even involve sexual contact and may not be seen as "cheating" by the party who is involved in the affair. Yet, the recovery from the deceit and violation of trust that is an integral element of an emotional affair can be just as challenging.Part C. Economic Issues38. For Better or Worse: Couples Confront Unemployment, Marilyn Gardner, The Christian Science Monitor, May 28, 2003The loss of a job can put a great deal of strain on a marriage. Repeated job losses, company mergers, moves, and economic instability can result in what may seem like insurmountable emotional and relational challenges. Unemployment is up and job availability is down. This article describes ways in which couples dealing with unemployment have worked to maintain their relationship during the job-search process.39. Keeping Work and Life in Balance, Vicki Powers, T+D, July 2004Corporations interested in hiring and retaining talented employees are learning that it is important to facilitate a balance between work and home life. This article describes how several corporations shifted their priorities and resources to do just that.40. How to Land on Your Feet, Jane Bryant Quinn, Newsweek, February 14, 2005The author suggests that all aging adults need an education about retirement. Knowledge about health benefits, resources, pensions, and investments are a few necessary lessons. Marriage makes retirement easier. Spouselessness is difficult, especially for women. Ms. Quinn recommends using a financial planner in order to "land on your feet" at your career's end.Part D. War41. Home Alone, Adam Piore, Newsweek, March 17, 2003The number of single mothers serving in the U.S. armed forces ha
s nearly doubled since the last gulf war. When they are called up for active duty, they may leave young children behind to be cared for by economically and emotionally stressed family members.42. Terrorism, Trauma, and Children: What Can We Do?, Linda Goldman, Healing, Spring 2002Children's reaction to terrorism, war, anthrax, and the perceived loss of safety and protection are discussed. Linda Goldman gives advice about talking to children about terrorism, trauma, and war and what children can do about their fears.Part E. Divorce43. Marriage and Divorce American Style, E. Mavis Hetherington, The American Prospect, April 8, 2002For children, is marriage always preferable to divorce? Mavis Hetherington reports from her long-standing research program that parental divorce does not have the dramatic effect on children that it is commonly believed to have. In some cases, parental divorce is preferable to living in a hostile and emotionally toxic household.44. Dating After Divorce, David A. Anderson and Rosemary Clandos, Psychology Today, January/February 2003David Anderson and Rosemary Clandos present five tips for individuals reentering the dating scene after a divorce. These tips emphasize self-analysis and personal awareness in making the transition from married to available after a sometimes emotionally battering divorce process.Part F. Remarriage45. Managing a Blended Family, Sheryl Nance-Nash, Black Enterprise, February 2004Bringing together families to form a blended family, either from previous marriages or relationships, will be challenging. In addition to cultural, social, and personality differences is the challenge of merging two different financial systems. This article provides tips on how this can be done.46. Stepfamily Success Depends on Ingredients, Tori DeAngelis, Monitor on Psychology, December 2005The effect of divorce and remarriage on children is often presented as an either/or phenomenon, either good or bad, while the reality appears to be much more complicated. The author describes wide-ranging research on the lives of stepchildren and their families, presenting a more complex and nuanced view.Part G. Death and Grief47. Death of One's Partner: The Anticipation and the Reality, Florence W. Kaslow, Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, June 2004The death of one's partner, whether marital or not, can be one of the most tragic events in a person's life. Florence Kaslow describes various factors that contribute to the complexity of the loss, and suggests ways in which one might manage the effects of the loss and grief.48. The Hispanic Way of Dying: Three Families, Three Perspectives, Three Cultures, Neris Diaz-Cabello, Illness, Crisis and Loss, July 2004This article discusses the role of the family, the significance of ritual, the spiritual implications of faith and loss, and the religious presence during the dying process and thereafter.UNIT 5. Families, Now and Into the Future49. Breaking Free of the Family Tree, Jennifer Matlack, Health, September 2001Looking at your family history for evidence of patterns of behavior can help you understand the decisions you make in relationships and what draws you to other people.50. Get a Closer Look: 12 Tips for Successful Family Interviews, Ira Wolfman, Writing, November/December 2005Family interviews can add to one's understanding of family members and can be fun and informative, but they take some preparation and planning. This article describes how one might go about doing such an interview.51. Examining Family Rituals, Grace M. Viere, The Family Journal: Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families, July 2001This scholarly article explores the definitions and classification of family rituals. Ways of differentiating rituals from routines as well as reports of empirical studies of their use are also presented.