There are several different types of family structures, especially in these modern times. With the ability of gathering data, research is important to understanding the family unit and what impacts child development. When gathering this data, it is important to include those who are doing the parenting, as well as those who have received the parenting that is recorded. When we include the feelings and address the impact that certain parenting styles had on children into adulthood, we can see certain trends that take place in our society. By gathering all types of data from various family structures, we as a society can learn from mistakes or accomplishments of parenting.
A lot of research concerning the family has come out, as social sciences has become a more popular subject over the past few years. According to the National Science Board, we see a steady increase of Bachelors degrees in social science in the late 2000s and early 2010s. (Trapani)
With a general interest in the social sciences we should use our knowledge to the advantage to better understand the family, and how each style of living has impacted each person.
In my General Psychology class we learned about the four parenting techniques, and many people have heard these terms before: Authoritative, Authoritarian, Permissive, and Neglectful. Each of these parenting styles impacts on their children differently and each child is affected by their parents choices. The family unit is such a unique area of study as it incorporates social psychology (the study of how the group affects the individual) as well as Sociology (the study of the group). The parents can shape an individual through parenting methods, or simply the type of family the child grows up in. A family unit also impacts the community with their own choices and beliefs, swaying or changing certain opinions on different subjects.
However, there are many challenges with gaining relevant data concerning the family. First of all, for data to be statistically relevant, the data should be obtained using a method that includes randomness. When randomness is included in gathering data, it eliminates the possibility of bias when gathering the data. Gathering data also takes a lot of funding, and with certain areas of study, some may be less funded than others due to the fact that it is not perceived as an important part of information. Data will also take a lot of time to gather, as well as compiling the research into a journal or study, then sending it off to get approved. By the time the data finally gets published, the data is already old and somewhat out of date.
There are many other reasons why data may not be possible to obtain, due to the ethics of research and variation that takes place. We are unable to do any experimentation in this area because it is harmful and hurtful. We can get surveys or permission to do observation of subjects, but even then it is hard to find volunteers. The data we gather must be relevant and helpful to society, if it is not, then we are wasting time and resources on a subject that does not matter.
It has been proposed by multiple that parental bond with children affects the mental health of the children. According to a study done in Australia done in 2016, it states that “Although we are unable to assess causality, our findings highlight the strength of the association between family structure and child and adolescent mental health” (Perales). While this singular study does not prove anything, with multiple studies throughout the world, we can come to know the truth of family structure and correlation with mental health.
With many more studies of the family and different family structures taking place, we can see the true impact the family unit has on ourselves, and on the world!
The youth are the future of the world. When we find value in a loving family, we can find peace in our own homes.
Until Next Week!
-Grace Coria
References
Perales, Francisco, et al. “Family Structure and Childhood Mental Disorders: New Findings from Australia.” Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, vol. 52, no. 4, 2016, pp. 423–433., doi:10.1007/s00127-016-1328-y.
Trapani, Josh, and Katherine Hale. “SCIENCE & ENGINEERING INDICATORS.” NSF, ncses.nsf.gov/pubs/nsb20197/trends-in-undergraduate-and-graduate-s-e-degree-awards.
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