The concept of family in the United States has gone through several paradigm shifts over time. 

In contemporary society, a universal familial narrative remains implausible.

Sociological research has navigated this controversial topic by exploring broader societal patterns of change in notions of family over time. 

After reflecting on my own family (see ‘My Family’ pages), I wondered whether their personal beliefs regarding family corresponded with the widespread social norms of their specific generations. 

To investigate this further, I conducted a series of interviews with my family members. My parents (in their mid-fifties) and my brother (in his mid-twenties), represented two different generations. I asked each subject open-ended questions about their views on (1) marriage, (2) partner choice, and (3) the definition of family in childhood, early-adulthood, and present-day.

My data analysis revealed generational differences between my parent’s views and my brother’s views on each of the three categories. Further, their views closely corresponded with the social norms during the time in which they were brought up. 

For more information about interviewer questions, interviewee responses, and studies on generational patterns of change see sub-pages ‘Marriage,’ ‘Partner Choice,’ and ‘The Definition of Family.’