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Discussions on the Nuclear Family
moderated by Phil Bartle, PhD
Contributions will be added to the top of this collection as I receive them.
Model of the Nuclear Family
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Date: Tue, 08 Mar
From: katrina
Hi Dr. Phil,
The term "nuclear"
as defined in Webster's Dictionary "of or forming a nucleus", the
definition of "nucleus" being a "central part about which other parts are
grouped; core".
So if you take the literal definitions of the above words, any group of people can be a "nuclear family".
I feel the Religious conservative use their definition as a method of
preservation for their beliefs. These beliefs seem like they have
superseded others as it has been a long and loud message from a group of
people who have had a certain degree of power and means to spread it. Personally,
I think their definition tried too hard to dictate what "should" be that
they actually helped a lot of people to look for and embrace the reality
of what is. I myself have never known such a "nuclear family" as
my parents were never married, my mother worked outside the home from the
time I was one, I am an only child and my grandparents were my primary
caregivers until I was old enough to stay at home alone. My husband
also grew up in almost the same situation. I just wanted to put my
opinion in...Thank-You.
Katrina
Date: Sat, 05 Mar
From: Bartle
At its most basic, the nuclear family is composed of two adults in a monogamous heterosexual relationship, plus their own offspring.
See: cec.vcn.bc.ca/cmp/modules/ine-glb.htm
Religious conservatives have added to that definition, saying the wife/mother should be at home working (nurturing, cleaning, cooking) without pay while the father/husband should be away from the home during working hours, earning money to bring back to run the family, also that the father/husband makes all the major decisions of the family and is the recognised authority over all other family members.
I invite all members of the class to add to this discussion, and I will broadcast your comments.
At 07:29 PM 03/05
Adam Lionas wrote:
Hey Dr. Phil,
I was just wondering if you or somebody else in the class could elaborate a bit on the concept of nuclear family. I feel that I could be missing something important from this area of discussion.
Thanx!
Adam