Social science seems to be the basis of this family relations course. The study of human relationships is the pathway to better understanding the family unit and its effect on society. Before delving into understanding different family dynamics and trends, it was necessary that we understand how to differentiate valid from invalid research. This is crucial, seeing as all topics regarding social sciences rely heavily on research. We reviewed reports that were highly influential in our society, even though they were based on research that was flawed and inaccurate. Specifically speaking, we analyzed reports that attempted to prove that children raised in same-sex households were not at a disadvantage to children raised in heterosexual homes. There were major flaws in the research. Instead of comparing children raised by homosexual parents to children raised by heterosexual parents, researchers compared them to children raised by single mothers. It is already proven that children raised by single mothers are already at a major disadvantage. The data was null, yet the report was sill published. Not only was it published, it was highly influential in legalizing same-sex marriage in the United States.
In hopes to avoid tangent, my point is that the ability to differentiate between valid and fallacious data is key to understanding the study of family relations.
Aside from learning how to recognize legitimate data, we also focused on inter-related family trends. Our country is experiencing an increase in divorce rates, decrease in birthrates, increase in cohabitation, and an increase in single mother households along with many other startling trends. Each one of these factors is directly related to one another. I was interested to find out that an increase in cohabitation ultimately lead to an increase to divorce rates. As divorce rates rise, an increase in single mother households ensues. Each factor is dependent on all others.
Before truly diving in to the study of family relations, it is helpful to know that each aspect of the family dynamic is interrelated. I assume that this will prove beneficial as we progress in our studies.
