Effects of Blended Families

Effects of Blended Families

The actual definition of family is "a social institution that unites individuals into cooperative groups that care for one another, including any children" (Macionis, 2008). It does not necessarily mean that they have to be related by blood. Families can consist of children from divorced families which can create a blended family and has had an effect on society.

With the high rate of divorce growing each year and the passing of same sex marriages, families not only consist of siblings related by blood but those that have been adopted or blended from a marriage of two people who have had children from previous marriages. Social scientists attribute the high divorce rate to the fact that there are too many options available to couples instead of trying to work on their relationship. Back in the 1950s, options were limited due to the fact that women did not work or could not support the family on their own, thus divorce was not an option (Hurwitz, 1997).

When people hear the term "family problems" they immediately assume that it has to do with problems within the structure of the family, like issues amongst siblings. However, the sociological aspect comes into play when issues such as genetic selection are being talked about. This affects the sociological perspective of the term family (Macionis, 2008). Society also is affected when blended families don't blend well. Children sometimes resent the new parent and often lash out and disobey. This can cause a raise in juvenile misconduct and lead to problems in school as well. Blended families sometimes have to work harder at making sure that everyone gets along. This is true also of children that grow up in foster homes. This stress doesn't just affect the children. Adults also have the stress of trying to make everyone happy including the step children's other parents. Everyone has to adapt to a new way of life.

There are positive sociological aspects to blended families in that women sometimes can raise their sociological standing by marrying into wealth or marrying someone who can help them become a better person by supporting them whether it be to go back to school or to go into the workforce. The children can also become more stable as they now have two parents that care for them (Hurwitz, 1997).

As divorces continue to happen and same sex marriages increase, blended families will become the norm instead of traditional families where everyone is related by blood.

References

Hurwitz, Jane. Coping in a Blended Family. New York: Rosen Group, 1997. Web. 06 May 2012.

Macionis, J. (2008). Social problems (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education,