Canadian Family Dynamics and Developmental Periods

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Questions and Answers

Which age range defines a toddler?

2 - 6 years

1 - 2 years (correct)

1 month - 1 year

12 - 18 years

What is a significant factor influencing the definitions of childhood according to the content?

Religious practices

Technological advancements

Cultural beliefs (correct)

Historical events

Which of the following describes the term 'satellite families'?

Families physically separated for better opportunities while maintaining strong ties (correct)

Families that are exclusively composed of step-siblings

Families living together but with different last names

Families that prioritize virtual communication over physical presence

What does the term 'economic dependency' refer to in the context of childhood definitions?

Children relying on adults for financial support Signup and view all the answers

What trend has been observed regarding family structures over time?

A decline in households consisting of a mother, father, and children Signup and view all the answers

Which family type has been acknowledged as a recognized family form since the 2006 Canadian census?

Same-sex couples Signup and view all the answers

What primarily causes variations in definitions of childhood across cultures?

Economic and political factors Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to families where parents live abroad while children remain in their home country?

Transnational families Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of Canadian families according to recent findings?

Diversity and varying definitions Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'chain migration' refer to in the context of Canadian families?

An immigration strategy where individuals assist family and community members to migrate Signup and view all the answers

How has modernization influenced family structures?

It has caused changes in family structure alongside urbanization and education Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes Canadian immigration policy historically?

Racially exclusive towards families originating from specific countries Signup and view all the answers

What impact did high infant and maternal mortality rates have on families?

They negatively affected family stability and well-being Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributed to changing definitions of family in modern times?

Changing social attitudes and economic trends Signup and view all the answers

How are families considered in terms of their roles in society?

As historical actors that adapt to and initiate trends Signup and view all the answers

What change occurred regarding traditional family functions?

They have been transferred to institutions like the church and the state Signup and view all the answers

What demographic change contributed to the smaller size of Canadian families?

Proliferation of birth control Signup and view all the answers

How did the First World War impact women's roles in society?

It accelerated their entry into paid labor Signup and view all the answers

What was a characteristic of childhood during Canada's Century?

Considered a vulnerable stage Signup and view all the answers

What significant welfare measure was introduced in Canada in 1944?

Family Allowance Act Signup and view all the answers

The 1921 census revealed what trend regarding marriage in Canada?

A proportionately greater number of married Canadians Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main reasons for the existence of single-parent or blended family households during this time?

Spouse's death Signup and view all the answers

What demographic changes were noted between 1921 and 1931 in Canada?

Decline in birth rates and smaller family sizes Signup and view all the answers

What did the Reconstruction interlude after the Second World War emphasize?

Renewed attention to the family unit Signup and view all the answers

What significant demographic change occurred after World War II, often referred to as the Baby Boom?

Significant increase in birth rates Signup and view all the answers

Which factor was identified as the single most important influence on families during the post-war era?

Advances in the status of women Signup and view all the answers

How did the legalization of same-sex marriage in Canada impact family structures?

Expanded definitions of family configurations Signup and view all the answers

What societal shift characterized the generation gap during the post-war period?

Embrace of communal living and rejection of norms Signup and view all the answers

What role did the availability of female contraception play in shaping family dynamics?

It allowed women greater control over their reproductive choices Signup and view all the answers

Which trend was observed in the family structure by the millennium?

Increase in common-law couples Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of changes to the Divorce Act in 1968?

Divorce became an available option for unhappy couples Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the influx of married women into the labor force have on family configurations?

Contributed to new family dynamics and economic stability Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of authoritarian parenting?

Shapes and controls children based on a set of rules Signup and view all the answers

Which parenting style is characterized by the constant support of adult children?

Helicopter parenting Signup and view all the answers

What concern was raised about children in the 2000s?

They do not develop resilience Signup and view all the answers

Which parenting style is associated with balancing under-parenting and over-parenting?

Intensive parenting Signup and view all the answers

How is intensive parenting ideology primarily characterized?

It demands time, money, and support for child-rearing Signup and view all the answers

What type of advice did child-rearing experts claim could influence a child's brain development?

Appropriate brain stimulation in early years Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential negative consequence of permissive parenting?

Children may lack self-regulation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a recommendation of attachment parenting?

Co-sleeping and breastfeeding on demand Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Concept of 'Periods of Development' is Arbitrary

The concept of 'periods of development' is based on social constructs.
There are cross-cultural variations and similarities in how childhood is defined.
Childhood is defined based on chronological age, level of maturity, physical maturation, and economic dependency.

The Changing Landscape of Canadian Families

The traditional nuclear family (father, mother, and children) is declining in prevalence.
There is an increase in blended families, same-sex families, transgender families, common-law couples, and lone-parent families.
Satellite families (satellite children) have emerged in the 1980s, describing families with members living separately across borders due to economic opportunities.

Historical Evolution of Canadian Families

Modernization has impacted family structures, accelerated by transportation and communication advances.
Chain migration in the early 20th century led to the emergence of new Canadian families primarily from Europe.
Traditional family functions, like childcare and education, were increasingly taken over by institutions like the church, charities, and later, the state.
High infant and maternal mortality rates negatively affected families.
Canadian immigration policy was historically racially exclusive, excluding families from countries outside of Western Europe and the US.

Families in the 20th Century: Key Trends

Canada's Century (the century of the child): Childhood became a special life-stage associated with play, education, and character development, rather than work and wages.
Divorce was difficult for women and highly stigmatized.
Single-parent and blended households were primarily the result of the spouse's death, not divorce.
Women gained access to paid employment, higher education, and involvement in female organizations, increasing their public presence.
The First World War accelerated women's entry into paid labor and their public involvement.
The Canadian Council on Child and Family Welfare was created in 1920.
The 1921 census showed a higher proportion of married Canadians than ever before.
A decline in the birth rate between 1921 and 1931 indicated the spread of birth control despite its illegality.
Demographic changes: longer life expectancy, smaller family size, and longer marriages.
The Great Depression negatively impacted family welfare programs.
The Family Allowance Act (1944) aimed to provide financial support to families with children, particularly during and after WWII.

Families at Mid-Century

The post-WWII Reconstruction period saw renewed focus on the family.
A rise in divorce rates followed the return of veterans from the war.
Post-war economic prosperity led to an increase in birth rates (the Baby Boom).
The generation gap between youth and their elders emerged, embodied in the "hippie ethic" challenging social norms and embracing open marriage and communal living.
This era saw advances in the status of women, with higher-paid work opportunities, increased life expectancy, and the 1968 Divorce Act making divorce easier.
There was an influx of married women and mothers into the labor force.

Families at the Millennium: Changes and Challenges

Declining fertility rates and an increase in "childless by choice" relationships.
Increased life expectancy meaning a smaller portion of life is dedicated to childcare.
Higher percentage of working mothers in the paid labor force.
State-supported parental leave in the 1990s helped accommodate families with working parents.
Legalization of same-sex marriage in 2005.
Declining percentage of married-couple families.
Increase in the percentage of common-law couples.
The male breadwinner family model is becoming the minority.

Intensive Parenting: Its Impact on Families

Intensive parenting, based on the assumption of ample time, money, and support for children, is primarily a middle-class ideal.
It emphasizes close parental involvement, expert advice, and risk-management.
Less privileged families may struggle to meet the expectations of intensive parenting.
Concerns have arisen about the potential for over-parenting to lead to a generation of over-scheduled children without resilience.
The need for balance between under-parenting and over-parenting is crucial.

Parenting Styles and Their Impact

Authoritarian parenting: focuses on control and rules.
Authoritative parenting: involves rational discussions and guidance. Authoritative parenting has been shown to positively impact children.
Permissive parenting: allows children to largely follow their own impulses.

Newer Parenting Styles

Attachment parenting: emphasizes close physical contact, breastfeeding on demand, and co-sleeping.
Helicopter parenting: involves constant support and intervention in adult children's lives, potentially negatively impacting their well-being.

Conclusion: Diversity and Complexity in Canadian Families

Canadian families are characterized by diversity and change.
Definitions of family continue to evolve, reflecting shifting social attitudes, economic trends, and legal and policy changes.
Theoretical and research approaches need to adapt to these evolving family dynamics.

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Description

Explore the evolving concepts of childhood and family structures in Canada. This quiz examines the arbitrary nature of developmental periods and the historical changes impacting family dynamics, including the rise of diverse family types. Test your knowledge on how modernization and cultural variations have shaped Canadian families.