Step-family system
- Do you think Dr Cherlin’s assertion that remarried/stepfamilies are an “incomplete institution” because they lack social scripts that would assist the family is coming together and assuming roles and responsibilities is still relevant and carries a measure of truth even decades after he made this observation and why?
Dr Cherlin’s assertion that stepfamilies are incomplete institutions due to of lack of social scripts is still relevant. Rights, responsibilities, emotional and legal ties in traditional families are based on social norms, and legal framework unlike stepfamilies who have to navigate through family roles without societal norms as a guide where step-parents are taking on tasks that are not explicit and children are not aware of what to expect in the new family dynamics.
- What were some of the main issues or challenges that stood out to you concerning stepfamily dynamics?
Challenges experienced in stepfamily dynamics are two-fold: challenges faced by the couple in the family and challenges the children face in the family. Adults in the relationship are faced with the challenge of taking on a parental role. Step-parenting is particularly tricky when the individual is a first-time parent. The step-parents have to find the balance between disciplining the child and gaining acceptance by the children, and it can be stressful. Sustaining a healthy co-parenting relationship with former partners is also a challenge in stepfamilies where the new parent has to learn how to be a step-parent without replacing the biological parent.
Children, on the other hand, are faced with the problem of adjustment where they have to conform to new rules and family dynamics. This is especially difficult for children who witnessed the divorce of their parents or the death of a parent. Children will often feel that their parent is being replaced by the new parental figure, which can result in resentment towards the new parent.
- When the chapter addressed stereotypes and stigmas, what is your perspective–what do you think shapes our views of stepfamilies?
Stepfamilies are faced with stigmatization and negative stereotypes. They are ‘perceived as being less functional and desirable than original two-parent families’.(11) the media is primarily responsible for shaping our perception on the dynamics of stepfamilies. Though shows about stepfamilies are rare, the few that are there often portrays stepfamilies in a negative and impractical manner. For instance, in Cinderella, a Disney fairytale, the main character Cinderella is mistreated by her stepmother. This instils fear among children, letting them know stepmothers are evil.in the Brady Brunch, an American sitcom that revolves around a blended family with six children, the family is portrayed as problem-free, which is unrealistic even in traditional families.
- What do you think would help stepfamilies as they form a new family system (e.g., identity, communication, the formation process, roles, etc.)?
Effective communication is the cornerstone of good family relations, especially with stepfamilies. Since dynamics have changed with the integration of two families, changes are bound to happen. Communication provides an avenue for discussing the new family dynamics, new roles each member of the family will play and feelings related to the change attributed to the new family. Counselling should be considered as a viable option. Is instrumental in helping stepfamilies establish realistic expectations and define roles with the unique problems that emanate from blending.
- What suggestions would you propose that would assist us as a society in helping stepfamilies? Do not hesitate to speak from personal experience.
Societal notions determine the support stepfamilies receive, which impacts their functionality. We, therefore, as a society, need to normalize stepfamily dynamics in different ways. For instance, the media should have programmes that showcase the structure of different types of stepfamilies without exaggeration of issues. They should also highlight the strengths and challenges associated with stepfamilies. Schools, hospitals and other institutions could adopt more inclusive language (Clinkscales,36) As a stepchild myself, having gone back and forth between my parents’ houses which were in different states, I would appreciate it if schools can also keep following file for their learners. These files need to have information on the student’s family background. Such records will help teachers know how to handle students from stepfamilies as challenges in stepfamily dynamics can have adverse effects on the child’s education.
Works Cited
Clinkscales, Jennifer J. “WE’RE JUST FAMILY’: AFRICAN AMERICAN STEPFAMILIES’ PERSPECTIVES ON STEPFAMILY LIFE AND THE IMPACT OF INSTITUTIONAL RACISM.” University of Pennsylvania, SchorlarlyCommons, 2019.
‘Remarriages and Stepfamilies’, PDF File