Question 1

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 given in the text does not require that members have the same name and background. Rather, it emphasizes the functions of a family unit, such as forming an economic unit and caring for young, as well as the commitment to maintaining the group over time and the sense of identity and attachment to the group.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

A person who believes in the "family-decline" theory argues that there has been a serious breakdown in marriage and family values, leading to negative consequences, such as poverty, crime, and social decay. Therefore, option A is the most fitting choice, as it reflects this perspective. Option B implies that family life changes are inevitable and not necessarily problematic, which contradicts the family-decline theory. Option C is controversial and depends on how one defines "better off," but the family-decline theory highlights the negative trends and challenges facing families today. Option D denies the existence of a problem, which is not consistent with the family-decline theory.

Question 3

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" that changes over time in response to changes in society and culture. This perspective views family structures and roles as constantly evolving rather than static, and sees the family as being able to adapt to new challenges and circumstances.

Question 4

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 a group of people residing together. A household can consist of a family or a group of unrelated individuals living together.

Question 5

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.

Question 6

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 7

Individuals living alone constitute about ______ percent of American households.

Accepted Answer

According to the most recent US Census data (2019), individuals living alone make up approximately 27% of American households.

Question 8

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. With the expansion of recognition of different forms of families such as single-parent families, same-sex couple families, and blended families, the legal definition has adapted to reflect the changing social landscape.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Both law and social science have traditionally defined family as consisting of people who are related by blood, marriage, or adoption.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

The nuclear family, consisting of a married couple and their children, became more common in industrial societies because it was easier to manage in urban areas with limited space and resources. The extended family, which includes multiple generations and relatives living together, was more common in agricultural societies where there was more land and a need for greater labor resources. The blended family involves step-relations, while the modified-extended family may include non-relatives who are considered part of the family unit.

Question 11

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 12

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 13

From interviews and observations, the authors reveal that:

Accepted Answer

The authors reveal that there are many definitions given for "family".

Question 14

What is meant by the term postmodern family ?

Accepted Answer

The term postmodern family refers to the way families have evolved and now exhibit a variety of forms and structures, beyond the traditional nuclear family model. This includes blended families, same-sex families, single-parent families, cohabiting couples, and more.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

The answer of Someone who is a "family-change" advocate might...

Question 16

The U.S. Census Bureau defines a family as

Accepted Answer

The U.S. Census Bureau defines a family as "two or more persons sharing a household and who are related by blood, marriage, or adoption." This definition includes traditional nuclear families, extended families, and blended families. It does not include unrelated individuals who live together, even if they share expenses and responsibilities. Option A is not completely accurate as it excludes people who are not parents or children in a family. Option C is overly broad and would include roommates who are not related. Option D is too narrow as it only includes certain family members.

Question 17

Cohabitation has emerged as a lifestyle

Accepted Answer

Cohabitation has become increasingly popular as an alternative to marriage, particularly among younger generations. Many couples choose to live together before getting married or without ever formalizing their relationship through marriage. This shift in attitudes towards cohabitation has led to a decrease in stigma and legal barriers in many countries, although there are still some places where it is not legally recognized.

Question 18

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 19

Family change is attributed to which of the following influences?

Accepted Answer

Economic trends and cultural changes have a significant impact on family change, such as changes in work patterns and gender roles, increasing diversity, and technological advances. Declining mental health or hopelessness also affect families, but they are not the primary influence on family change. Option B is not a valid reason for family change.

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

The text does not list meeting sexual desires as a major family function. Instead, it lists raising children responsibly, providing economic and practical support, and offering emotional security as major family functions.

Quiz 1: Making Family Choices in a Changing Society