The Blended Family in Sociology
The Blended Family in Sociology is a hot topic, but how is this new family form different from the one we know today? Anne Karpf, a British writer, sociologist and journalist is here to help explain what a blended family actually is. In an earlier time, when the death rate for adults was higher, children in families with one parent was more likely to lose their parent to death. Divorce was very rare, due to religious and legal restrictions. Christians, however, allowed remarriage. Remarriage was considered a proper means to create stability for the family unit. Therefore, the blended family was acceptable in earlier times.
The term “Blended Family” has become a euphemism, referring to the desire for a family that is seamless and harmonious. While it used to refer to a “Brother-Sister” marriage, the term has come to mean any family where both parents are previously married. In addition, a blended family may be comprised of both married and cohabiting individuals, and can also consist of unmarried parents and their children.
The challenges of a blended family are many. Children can feel neglected or resentful towards the new parent. They might feel resentful because they are unable to follow the routine of the other parent. The children may also be afraid that their love for the stepparent is betraying their original parents. This can be frustrating for everyone. There are ways to cope with a blended family, and understanding the challenges and opportunities can make it a success.
In Sociology, the Blended Family can be classified as a family of origin and a family of procreation. Both families will form a unique dynamic. Family of origin and family of orientation is a culturally significant unit. Generally, a family is a group of people united through marriage, ancestry, or adoption. In addition to parents and children, family of orientation also includes other relatives like grandparents and siblings.
As with any new situation, there are many challenges of a blended family. While it may seem like everything is going smoothly, the transition can be difficult. Children will need to adjust to the new role of the stepparent and the new parent, and they may express their frustration in behavioral outbursts. Nevertheless, the blended family can be successful as long as all parties involved are committed to it. The Blended Family is an important topic in Sociology.
One study by Carol Smart and John Utesch, authors of The Changing Experience of Childhood, reveals that children with broken families feel two homes. While step-parents cannot replace the parent they lost, they take on a more non-authoritarian and non-disciplinary role. Smart also notes that children often do not identify the new stepparent as the primary parent. Therefore, it is important to consider the societal and cultural changes in the Blended Family.