Question 1

The division of labor in remarriage tends to be:

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that remarried couples tend to have a more equitable division of labor, with both partners sharing household and family responsibilities more equally than in first marriages or non-remarried relationships. This may be related to a desire to avoid the gendered role expectations that may have influenced previous marriages, as well as a recognition that effective teamwork and communication are essential for a successful remarriage.

Question 2

Adolescents are more likely to break up a remarriage because:

Accepted Answer

Adolescents may feel more powerful in the family dynamic because they are more likely to have their own opinions and preferences. Additionally, they may feel resentment towards their step-parent for replacing their biological parent or disrupting their family unit. This can lead to conflict and tension within the family, potentially resulting in a break-up of the remarriage. Factors like getting in trouble with the law, having more friends, or being dangerous to stepsiblings may also contribute to this dynamic, but they are not as directly related to the power dynamic within the family.

Question 3

Remarriages involving adolescent children tend to have:

Accepted Answer

Remarriages involving adolescent children tend to have more sustained problems due to the potential for conflict and resistance from the adolescent child towards the new parent and step-siblings. The adjustment period may be longer and more difficult, and it is important for the parents to establish clear boundaries, rules, and communication to address these challenges. The presence of traditional gender roles may or may not be a factor in these situations.

Question 4

The "intimate outsider label" evokes the image of stepparents as being members of the family as well as:

Accepted Answer

The "intimate outsider label" suggests that stepparents are seen as part of the family but also as intruders, highlighting the complex role they often navigate within family dynamics.

Question 5

What are the contrasting emotions present in a relationship where a divorced individual with children is dating?

Accepted Answer

This option accurately reflects the contrasting emotions present in a relationship where a divorced individual with children is dating. The single parent may be excited about the prospect of finding love again, but the children may be anxious about what it means for their family dynamic and relationships with their parent and potential stepparent. It is important for the adults involved to communicate openly and address the concerns and feelings of all parties involved. The other options do not fully capture the range of emotions and concerns present in this type of relationship.

Question 6

Stepparents can assure themselves of the same rights as biological parents by:

Accepted Answer

The best option for stepparents to assure themselves of the same rights as biological parents is to legally adopt their stepchildren. This gives them legal rights and responsibilities, such as making decisions regarding the child's education and medical care, as well as inheritance rights. The other options, such as changing the divorce settlement or developing a marital contract, may provide some level of protection but do not grant the same legal rights as adoption. Providing financial support is a responsibility of any parent, biological or stepparent, but does not necessarily give them the same rights as a biological parent.

Question 7

The longer a family is a single-parent family, the more difficult the adjustment for ________ in remarriage.

Accepted Answer

The longer a family is a single-parent family, the more established the routines and dynamics become for the children. Remarriage brings changes and adjustments to the family system, which can be difficult for the children to navigate. While the stepmother and stepfather may also experience challenges in adjusting to their new family roles, the children are most likely to struggle with the transition.

Question 8

The doctrine of "in loco parentis" allows stepparents to:

Accepted Answer

The doctrine of "in loco parentis" allows stepparents to assume parental obligations, meaning they can take on responsibilities traditionally held by biological parents, such as providing financial support, making decisions regarding the child's education and upbringing, and even having legal custody.

Question 9

Stepparents are obligated to support stepchildren in:

Accepted Answer

Stepparents are generally not legally obligated to support stepchildren unless they have legally adopted them or there is a court order in place requiring them to do so. This is only the case in a minority of states. In most states, stepchildren are considered the responsibility of their biological parents.

Question 10

Carol has been remarried for six months. Although she and her new husband have experienced a great deal of conflict, Carol insists that the marriage is perfect. One reason that Carol tends to need to characterize her second marriage as happy may be that:

Accepted Answer

Carol may feel guilty about the failure of her first marriage and therefore needs to believe that her second marriage is happy and successful. This could be a way for her to cope with her previous feelings of failure and disappointment in her first marriage.

Question 11

In remarriage, more sustained problems are noted for:

Accepted Answer

Adolescent children often face more sustained problems in the context of remarriage due to their developmental stage, which includes forming their own identities and dealing with complex family dynamics. They may struggle more with accepting a stepparent and adjusting to new family roles compared to younger children.

Question 12

Matt and Jenny have recently entered into a remarriage. They both have small children. Although rocky at first, the adjustment for the new stepfamily has gone smoothly. As the years go by, they may expect:

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that stepfamilies may experience more difficulties during adolescence, as the children navigate their own identity development and may have increased conflict with their stepparent or stepsiblings. While it is possible for a blended family to have few problems, it is more common for there to be some challenges that arise. The potential for interference from non-custodial parents also exists, but it is not a guaranteed issue. The option of the marriage disintegrating is always a possibility, but not necessarily more so for stepfamilies than for any other type of family.

Question 13

Cox and Demmitt use the phrase "his, hers, and ours" to describe the children in:

Accepted Answer

The phrase "his, hers, and ours" is commonly used in blended families, which are made up of children from previous relationships of one or both partners, as well as any children they have together.

Question 14

Probably the best course for a stepparent is to:

Accepted Answer

It is important for stepparents to respect and acknowledge the presence of the child's natural parent. Trying to replace or outdo them can lead to tension and conflict within the family dynamic. Assuming a supplemental role, where the stepparent supports and assists the natural parent in raising the child, can help create a positive and harmonious household.

Question 15

Stepparents and stepchildren have a great deal of trouble in their relationships for all reasons EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

The change in economic status is not typically a major factor in causing trouble in relationships between stepparents and stepchildren. The other three options (confusion about roles, loyalty conflicts, split of parental authority) are commonly reported sources of difficulties.

Question 16

The research findings on the effects of remarriage on children are:

Accepted Answer

The research findings on the effects of remarriage on children are mixed. Some studies show positive effects, such as increased family stability, better financial resources, and improved relationships with stepparents. However, other studies indicate negative effects, such as increased conflict and stress within the family, difficulty adjusting to new family dynamics, and loyalty conflicts between biological and stepparents. Overall, the impact of remarriage on children can vary depending on factors such as the child's age, gender, and relationship with their biological parent and stepparent.

Question 17

The most troubling unrealistic expectation of those remarrying is:

Accepted Answer

It is unrealistic to expect that a new family will function the same as the family they left behind as each family is unique and different. It is important for those remarrying to understand that they will need to adjust to a new dynamic and work towards blending their families together.

Question 18

According to the text, why is the stepparent-stepchild relationship more difficult than with a biological parent?

Accepted Answer

The text states that the stepparent-stepchild relationship is more difficult because it starts midstream and hasn't developed from the beginning.

Question 19

The myth of instant love suggests that:

Accepted Answer

The myth of instant love suggests that stepmothers (or stepparents in general) will automatically love their stepchildren, which is not always the case as building familial relationships can take time and effort.

Question 20

Steve has recently married a woman with children from a previous marriage. The oldest child, Benjamin, is showing signs of resentment and hostility towards Steve. Benjamin is probably:

Accepted Answer

Benjamin is likely feeling disloyalty to his biological father and struggling to accept Steve as a parental figure in his life. This is a common issue that children from divorced families may experience.

Quiz 16: Remarriage: a Growing Way of American Life