Social institutions that have been around for thousands of years generally change slowly, when they change at all. But that's not the way things have been playing out with marriage and family since the middle of the 20th Century. Some scholars argue that in the past five decades, the basic architecture of these age-old institutions has changed as rapidly as at any time in human history. This Pew Research Center report, done in association with TIME, sets out to illuminate these changes by using two complementary research methodologies: a nationwide survey of 2,691 adults we conducted from Oct…
Americans today are less likely to be married than at any time in the nation's history. Rates have declined for all groups, but they have fallen most sharply among those on the lower rungs of the socio-economic ladder. A new survey finds that these less-advantaged adults are more likely than others to say that economic security is an important reason to marry. Even as marriage shrinks, family remains the most important and most satisfying element in the lives of most Americans. (Author abstract)
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This brief explains that attachment refers to the continuing and lasting relationships that young children form with one or more adults and to the child's sense of security and safety when in the company of a particular adult. The importance of attachment is highlighted and characteristics of children with secure attachment relationships and with insecure attachment relations are described. Cultural differences in attachment are noted before strategies that teachers and caregivers can use to promote children's secure attachment are provided. Strategies include: help parents feel competent and…
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African American boys tend to receive more support and have better outcomes-including greater self-esteem and reduced likelihood of delinquency-when they live with married parents.
