| Abstract: | An examination of trends in the latter half of the twentieth century shows how the ideal North American family construct, the Nuclear Family, is in transition. While it is still perceived as the perfect arrangement, the reality is taking a far different form. Currently, the family is having to react to a number of changes within the society as a whole and it is anticipated that within one or two generations, the Nuclear Family will become only one of four equally important family structures that will be experienced sequentially by individuals. Serial Monogamy, the practice of having one spouse at a time, will become the norm with members of the society participating in a Nuclear Family, followed by an Extended Family, a Matrifocal Family and a Blended Family in that order. In addition, various forms of households consisting of unrelated adults and/or children will increase in frequency and importance, forcing researchers and others to redefine the family itself. |
