Parenthood and Family Structure – Research Essay

In this parenthood and family structure paper, explain McLanahan and Sandefur’s arguments about how growing up with a single parent affects children. Additionally, explain Gerson’s argument about family pathways and how they are different from family structure. Then discuss whether the arguments are in conflict with each other or complementary, clearly stating your reasoning. Finally, discuss how you think a focus on either family structure or family pathways might contribute to different understandings. That is; understanding how best to support children when their parents don’t stay together.

2. Since the beginning of the semester, we’ve been investigating the relationships between economic trends and family patterns. Based on Cherlin’s Labor’s Love Lost, describe the economic shifts that began in the 1970s. Further, explain how they are related to the growing gaps in family experiences and patterns. That is; by social class in U.S. families today described by both Cherlin and Carlson & England. In addition to the general discussion, focus on at least two specific family trends (i.e. marriage, non-marital births, divorce, cohabitation, etc. ). Describe each trend and explain how it is related to economic changes.

Parenthood and Family Structure

3. Explain the logic of why policy makers have considered single parenthood to be an issue that requires government intervention in the U.S., and what they have done to address the growing trend of single parent families, drawing on Promises I Can Keep and the readings on Welfare Reform. Finally, discuss how the findings and conclusions of Promises I Can Keep could inform efforts and approaches by policy makers to affect issues associated with the rise in single parenthood. What would help and why? Make sure to support your responses with examples and evidence from the book about connections between marriage and childbearing, and the meaning of motherhood and marriage for poor women.

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