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Period: 3000 BCE to 500
Ancient Civilizations
These family structures were large because civilizations were agriculture based. For example, Rome and China. Having lots of children meant you have 'help' to maintain the farms. In addition, these structures were patriarchal in nature. -
Period: 500 to 1500
Medieval Period
In medieval Europe, feudalism and the church had a large impact on the family structure. Marriages were often arranged for dowries. Poor women were the main caretakers and they had to work with their husbands in poor farming conditions. Some women got married to affluent men to escape that future. -
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Industrial Revolution
The shift to industrial economies came from the invention of the cotton gin. Which led to the production of textile and other types factories. As a result, families moved to urban areas so the men could work at these facilities. Often women and children had to work in factories to afford the rent in these big urban areas. Also, there was a decline in extended family members living in the homes. -
Ellen Swallows Richards
She was a pioneer in the study of Home Economics. Richards worked as a industrial and a safety engineer. Richards advocated for women to be educated in a time where they didn't have rights. To clarify, women's rights only meant the rights of white women in this era. Richards believed in the scientific implications of managing the household. -
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Early 20th Century
The nuclear family was born and so was the middle class. This meant women were the homemakers, and men went to work outside of the home to provide. Also women were allowed to have an education. Family resource management, AKA home economics started being taught at this time too. The class was centered around family health, nutrition, and budgeting. -
Great Depression
When the stock market crashed, this devastated the economy. People losing their jobs and homes due to reckless spending and poor government oversight. Which lead to banks closing, and people couldn't get their money back. This lead to changes in the family roles. Strict budgets were implemented and the government made programs to get Americans back on their feet. -
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Post WWII Era
A trend in suburban living skyrocketed. This kickstarted middle class women being interested in consumerism and family budgeting to maintain their lifestyle. Family resource management put greater emphasis on education planning and home ownership as well. -
Civil Rights Era
Women had the chose to work or stay at home. The roles of women in families evolved as result. In addition, they advocated for more rights and protections under the law. Women were granted the right to have credit cards in their own name and divorce from their husbands. -
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Technological and Economic Changes
Due to economic changes due to the Reagan administration middle class family were feeling the tax increases. Single parent and dual income families skyrocketed as a result of these hefty tax breaks from the rich. This devastated the middle class. -
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The 21st Century
The world wide web became global. Online banking and e commerce emerged as result of the internet. Many people have started dating outside their race. Resulting in families becoming more diverse. Also, society is now embracing different types types of families. This includes same sex and cohabiting couples. -
Sources
Ellen Swallows video -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEI_l61eOzY medieval ages- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QV7CanyzhZg Textbook- Family Resource MAnagement 3rd Edition by Tami James moor and Sylvia M. Asay