All in the Family

By definition, a nuclear family is a family that is centered around a married couple, and includes their children. The shape of a nuclear family has been fairly consistent leading up to the 21st century. The man, or the father, or the household was considered the 'breadwinner' and was responsible to provide for the family. The family relied on the father's job and the income he provided. The mother's role was the caretaker. she was responsible for looking after the children and doing household chores. The mother usually spent her time at home cleaning, cooking, and tending to children's needs. In today's society, the roles of the father and mother have been changing rapidly. The presence of women in the workplace, along with the recent economic recession, have altered the past vision of nuclear family and their gender roles. The mother, in many families in the US, has entered the role of the 'breadwinner' in the family, as the family relies on the income she provides. The increase in stay-at-home dads due to lay-offs or unemployment has changed the identity of a nuclear family as well. The father has suddenly taking over the gender roles of the mother, based on the old idea of a nuclear family. I do believe it is a good thing that women are beginning to take charge and providing for their families, whether it is because of husband lay-off or personal desire. It is beneficial to the family if there is an equal opportunity for the mother, and the father, to support the family financially. I believe it also makes the family more secure. If something were to happen to one spouse in terms of their employment, the other can step up and take on the burden. Nuclear families today provide more of a team work atmosphere in a way, as both spouses can 'play" any position. The enforcement of gender roles from an early age is far less present, as children now are seeing their mothers working and their fathers being more family oriented. Seeing both spouses take financial responsibility in certain circumstances blurs the gender roles formed in the 20th century and before. Overall, this family change is a good thing for society.