All in The Family

The nuclear family is regarded as the basic social unit of two parents and their dependent children. In the media, nuclear families stereotypically consist of a heterosexual couple of the same race and their children. However, this has changed tremendously in the past years and the types of family dynamics are endless. The gender roles are one of the most highlighted changes, as women are becoming more prominent in the workforce. This change as a strong affect on the household because it breaks the boundaries of "women are housewives and men are breadwinners."

In an article written by Sara Eckle in 2010, Dad-Mom Role Reversals, there are many examples of these gender role changes. Keep in mind, the article was written as America was recovering from the 2008 recession where the unemployment rates increased significantly. Many men that were used to being the main source of income for their families were out of jobs with the hopeless feeling of not being able to get back on their feet and provide for their wife and children. Parents and couples were forced to do what they could to overcome the situation; which meant changing roles if necessary. Therefore, women who had job opportunities were forced to work long hours, which meant less time spent on domestic activities. Men who were unemployed had to make up for the cooking, cleaning, and babysitting that their wives could not fulfill.

Eckle interviewed a number of couples and their reactions to these changes varied. For example, some had a difficult time with the changes like D.C. couple Christine and John Fruehwirth. John a former director of a private equity firm in the Washington D.C. area lost his job while his wife ran a career development business along with an additional job as a career consultant. John had a difficult time caring for his 7 year old and 5 year old, forgetting to change them or keep up with laundry. This shows the hardships that came with the role reversal.

Comparing the Fruehwirths with modern day families, there are many changes. With a high divorce rate, many families consist of only one parent rather than two. This puts added stress on the mother or father who is responsible for both working and nurturing his/her children. Parents today are extremely strong and hard working. We have all witnessed at least one friend or relative with this family dynamic and their strength of being a pillar for the family is tremendous. Whether the gender roles are reversed or one parent is taking on the stereotypical roles of both genders, the adjustment to these changes are difficult and take time to adapt to.