Families Today

Chapter 3: Family Characteristics

Check Your Answers: Section Review Answer Keys

Section 3.1 Family Structures

1. Answers should include five of the following: single people, couples, nuclear families, single-parent families, blended families, extended families, adoptive families, legal guardians, foster families.
2. Answers should include at least three of the following: personality of family members, customs and rituals of family, family atmosphere and boundaries, how decisions are made, the amount of interdependence, family goals.

Practice Academic Skills

3. They are not real. They are created for entertainment.
4. Answers will vary depending on the books selected. Reports should focus on how the family structure was used to meet family needs.
5. Answers will vary. Paragraphs should answer the questions posed.

Section 3.2 Family Development

1. It provides a stable pattern that explains how families form and develop.
2. There are many variations of the general pattern such as singlehood, divorce, not having children, older parenthood, and grandparents raising children. Some stages may be longer or shorter in different families.

Practice Academic Skills

3. Answers will vary. Questions should be to the point for the information students are to acquire.
4. Answers will vary but should be comprehensive. Students could obtain items from family members, flea markets, online auctions, garage sales, etc.