Why the family is a major social institution

The family is a major social institution within society and fulfills a very important role in the socialization process
for individuals. In fact, many argue that the family is the MOST important and influential agent of socialization in
the U.S.. The family as a social institution is changing and those changes can impact the larger society. The
fertility rate in the U.S. (average number of births per woman) has been on a declining trend since the 1960s.
Most recent data reveals a fertility rate of around 1.7 in the U.S. See graph -
https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.DYN.TFRT.IN?locations=US
One major issue to consider in connection with the declining fertility rate is how children and specifically the
birth/adoption of child are handled by employers in the U.S. With more and more women entering the paid
workforce and a little over 60% of children living in households with two working adults, the issues of family,
employment, and money collide. Currently, the U.S. does NOT federally mandate any paid leave for new
parents. A few states in the U.S. have passed paid leave policies for citizens in those states and some
corporations provide paid leave, but the overwhelming majority of working adults are not offered paid parental
leave. Feel free to familiarize yourself with the Family and Medical Leave Act in the U.S. that does provide
some unpaid leave for eligible employees. Read more about how the U.S. compares to 41 other countries on
paid parental leave - Pew Research Center article on Paid Parental Leave.
Questions for your response:
Part 1 - Using what we have learned in Chapter 12, explain how sociologists define family in the U.S.? Explain
why the family is considered one of the most important and influential agents of socialization in the U.S.
Part 2 - Besides the complicated issue of employment leave policies, what other issues might help to explain
the declining fertility rates in the U.S.?
Part 3 - Why do you think the U.S. is the only advanced society that does NOT mandate paid parental leave?
What does this lack of support for parents/families suggest about our society?
Part 4 - What are some of the potential impacts to families and children as a result of this issue? Share your
ideas and thoughts.