The change in traditional social norms in marriage is the result of developmental idealism applied to the American economic, educational, technological, and government structures. Arland Thornton introduced the idea of developmental idealism. Developmental idealism can be defined as a cultural model - a set of beliefs or values- to reach the appropriate goals of development and the ends for achieving these goals. (Thornton: 2001) This theory is a compilation of four fundamental beliefs and values:
1) A modern society is good and can be attained. (Thornton: 2001).
2) A modern family is good and attainable. (Thornton: 2001).
3) A modern family helps produce a modern society and a modern society helps to produce modern families. (Thornton: 2001).
4) Freedom and equality are fundamental human rights. (Thornton: …show more content…
Children can sense the animosity between the parents, which in turn can trigger them to internalize feelings of sadness or loneliness, resulting in behavioral problems. According to Benokraitis, children experience the most difficulty during and after the divorce. Yet, after the conflicts of the divorce have passed, the children’s well being improves. It is important that the parents spend equal time with their children and maintain a cooperative relationship for positive child development.
Describe possible solutions for the problems. If you do not see it as a problem, what are some future directions?
Conclusion
References
Benokraitis, Nijole V. 2015. Marriages and Families: Changes, Choices, and Constraints. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson
Cherlin, Andrew J. "The Deinstitutionalization of American Marriage." Journal of Marriage and Family 66.4 (2004): 848-61. Web.
Nakonezny, Paul A., and Wayne H. Denton. "Marital Relationships: A Social Exchange Theory Perspective." The American Journal of Family Therapy 36.5 (2008): 402-12. Web.
Thornton, Arland. 2001. “The Developmental Paradigm, Reading History Sideways, and Family Change.” Demography 38(4).
Thornton, Arland. Reading History Sideways: The Fallacy and Enduring Impact of the Developmental Paradigm on Family Life. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. (2005)
Vejar, Cynthia. "Marriage Patterns.". Research Starters: (Online