Family Science: Exam #2 Study Guide

Single (Census Definition)

You are NOT married (cohabiting=single, divorced=single, dating=single)

Emerging Adulthood

Developmental Stage: Ages 19-29: Figuring life out→ Identity exploration, instability, self-focus, a “in—between identity”, abundant possibilities!!i

Monogamy

Male & Female exclusively with one another=marriage in US legally required monogamy!

Polygamy

The practice of marriage to MORE than ONE spouse at the same time, different forms→ (polygyny-one husband, multiple wives) & (polyandry (one wife, multiple husbands)

Cohabitation

Unmarried couples living together→Why? prelude, alternative to marriage or alternative to being single

-Lower levels of trust & happiness, more nontraditional

-Considerable IPV/Domestic violence

Serial Monogamy

A marriage & relationship pattern in which an individual forms one exclusive, monogamous partnership at a time, ending that union before forming another, over course of lifetimes.

-only one spouse or partner at a time, but may change partners repeatedly throughout their life→ relationships may end and a new one begins

3 Types of Marriage: Deinstitutionalized

describing the weakening of structural and normative constraints around marriage, often associated with societal changes toward individualism → social norms count for far less than in the past

-reflects a weakening of traditional social norms and institutional expectations surrounding marriage→may marry later or not at all

3 Types of Marriages: Institutional

primary focus is on the roles, responsibilities, and obligations of spouses within the broader social order.

-This type of marriage is structured around expectations from family, community, or religion rather than individual choice or personal happiness

3 Types of Marriages: Companionate Marriage Bond

Emotional support & friendship-gendered but cooperative

- emphasizing emotional connection, shared domestic life, and gendered role complementarity, often associated with the "white picket fence" ideal.

Individualized Marriage

A modern form of marriage focused on personal growth, mutual fulfillment, and negotiated roles rather than social or economic obligations.

-Flexible roles, together out of love

Fertility Rate Changes

-U. S fertility rate has declined

-Deep decline during Great Deppression/WWII→Increase in post WWII

-Relates to Industrialization & Improved living conditions

--TFR dropped from 2.5 at the peak of baby boom to the lowest level ever recorded: 1.7 in 1976

-In recent years, TFR has fluctuated around 2.0

Timing of Parenthood