Question 1

The concept of "household" is broader than that of "family" as it includes

Accepted Answer

The concept of "household" includes any person who resides in the home, regardless of whether or not they are related to each other. Pets and material possessions may be part of the household, but they are not necessarily included in the definition. Relatives who live far away and are not part of the household are not included.

Question 2

The family became common in industrial societies because it was better suited for city life.

Accepted Answer

The nuclear family, consisting of parents and their children living together in one household, became more common in industrial societies because it was better suited for city life. It was smaller and easier to maintain in small living spaces, and it allowed for more mobility and flexibility in terms of work and child-rearing. Blended families (A) refer to families where one or more partners have children from previous relationships, while extended families (C) include multiple generations living together or in close proximity. Modified-extended families (D) refer to extended families who live apart but remain closely connected through frequent communication and visits.

Question 3

Scholars and advocates with a perspective argue that we need to view the family from a historical standpoint.

Accepted Answer

The idea of viewing the family from a historical standpoint falls under the concept of "family change," which acknowledges that families have evolved and undergone significant transformations throughout history. The other options - pessimistic, familistic, and family decline - do not directly relate to the idea of historical perspective.

Question 4

As families have become less traditional, the legal definition of a family has

Accepted Answer

As families have become less traditional, the legal definition of a family has become much more flexible. Family structures today can include unmarried partners, blended families, same-sex couples, single-parent households, and more, and the law has adapted to recognize and protect these diverse families. Laws have been created to protect the rights of unmarried partners, same-sex couples, and children in non-traditional family structures. Additionally, courts are often more willing to consider alternative custody arrangements that prioritize the best interests of the child over traditional family structures.

Question 5

Which of the following is attributed to the U.S. by "family-change" scholars?

Accepted Answer

"Family-change" scholars attribute inadequate support for families to the U.S. This includes things like inadequate workplace policies for parents and lack of affordable and accessible childcare options.

Question 6

Someone who is a "family-change" advocate might say the following:

Accepted Answer

A "family-change" advocate would likely emphasize the adaptability and resilience of families in facing new societal challenges, as suggested in choice B.

Question 7

The definition of family adopted by the authors of this text includes those who do all of the following EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

The definition of family adopted by the authors of this text does not include having the same name and background. The other options are included in their definition.

Question 8

The U.S. Census Bureau defines a family as

Accepted Answer

The U.S. Census Bureau defines a family as "a group of two or more persons related by birth, marriage, or adoption and residing together." This definition includes both traditional nuclear families (parents and children) as well as extended families (grandparents, aunts/uncles, cousins). However, it specifies that the individuals must be related by blood, marriage, or adoption - so choice A is incorrect. Choice C is too broad and does not specify any relationship between the individuals.

Question 9

Family theorists posit that today's family forms need to be seen as historically expected adjustments to changing conditions.

Accepted Answer

The statement is referring to the changes in family forms, indicating that it is a result of changing conditions. Therefore, the best choice is C, change. The other options, decline, social, and marriage, do not encapsulate the idea of adjusting to changing conditions in the same way that "change" does.

Question 10

From interviews and observations, the authors reveal that:

Accepted Answer

The authors reveal that there are many definitions given for "family." Many social scientists have different perspectives on defining the term, as families can take many forms and vary across cultures and regions.

Question 11

A person who believed in the "family-decline" theory might say the following:

Accepted Answer

Someone who believes in the "family-decline" theory would argue that there has been a breakdown in marriage and family values leading to negative consequences for society. They would likely point to factors such as divorce rates, single-parent households, and declining birth rates as evidence of this decline. Option B would not align with this perspective, as it suggests that family life is simply changing to fit contemporary norms. Option C also contradicts the "family-decline" theory as it implies that families are improving over time. Option D also goes against this perspective as it denies the existence of a marriage crisis.

Question 12

Family change is attributed to which of the following influences?

Accepted Answer

Family change is often influenced by economic trends and cultural changes. Examples include the rise of dual-income households and changing attitudes towards marriage and parenting. Mental health, individual preferences, and hopelessness may play a role in individual family dynamics but are not overarching influences on family change.

Question 13

Traditionally, both law and social science specified that the family consisted of people related by

Accepted Answer

The traditional definition of family in both law and social science includes people who are related by blood, marriage, or adoption. This definition recognizes the various ways in which familial connections can be established and acknowledges the legal and cultural significance of these relationships.

Question 14

Individuals living alone constitute about percent of American households.

Accepted Answer

According to the United States Census Bureau, as of 2019, individuals living alone constitute 27% of American households.

Question 15

Those with a "family change" perspective view the family as .

Accepted Answer

Those with a "family change" perspective view the family as "an adaptable institution." This perspective recognizes that families have changed over time and continue to adapt to new social, economic, and cultural contexts. It does not necessarily view the family as declining or rigid.

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT listed by your text as a major family function?

Accepted Answer

Meeting sexual desires is not listed as a major family function in the text. The other options are listed as major functions: raising children responsibly, providing members with economic and other practical support, and offering emotional security.

Question 17

What is meant by the term postmodern family?

Accepted Answer

The term postmodern family refers to the idea that families today exhibit a variety of forms that deviate from the traditional nuclear family model. This includes single-parent households, blended families, same-sex couples with children, and other non-traditional family arrangements.

Question 18

The Census Bureau uses which of the following terms to describe a person or a group of people residing together?

Accepted Answer

The Census Bureau uses the term "household" to describe a person or group of people residing together. While "family" can be a synonym for household, the Census Bureau specifically uses the term household for data collection and analysis purposes. The terms "nuclear family" and "extended family" refer specifically to family structures, and are not necessarily synonymous with a household.

Question 19

Cohabitation has emerged as a lifestyle

Accepted Answer

Cohabitation has become an increasingly popular alternative to marriage and is no longer stigmatized as it was in the past. It is legal in most countries and is recognized as a viable option for committed couples who do not wish to or are not ready to get married.

Question 20

Scholars and advocates with a perspective point to what they see as a negative cultural change accentuated by excessive individualism and self-indulgence.

Accepted Answer

The term "family decline" is often used by scholars and advocates who view cultural changes as being negative, with an emphasis on excessive individualism and self-indulgence. They argue that this cultural shift has resulted in a decline in the importance and stability of the family unit. Neither A, B, nor C are relevant to this concept.

Quiz 1: Making Family Choices in a Changing Society