chapter 6: networked families ~ staying together, netting together

"The networks of relationships we form and depend on are our modern-day villages, but they reach well beyond city limits." (Rainie & Wellman, 2013, p. 147)

The Nuclear Family
Source: Nuclear Family and Modern Family, 50sGeneration

The Modern Family
source:  How has the Idea of “Family” Changed on Television since World War II? The Artifice


Before diving into the introduction of information and communication technologies (ICTs), and the social, cultural, and technological influences on the Northern American family, chapter six of Networked: The New Social Operating System first begins with the "nuclear family." I recollect that the "nuclear family" was the traditional goal/American dream that everyone pursued. Interestingly, the term nuclear had nothing to do with the nuclear war but with the noun nucleus - the core of something. 

"A nuclear family, elementary family, atomic family, cereal-packet family or conjugal family is a family group consisting of parents and their children (one or more), typically living in one home residence. It is in contrast to a single-parent family, the larger extended family, or a family with more than two parents. Nuclear families typically center on a heterosexual married couple which may have any number of children." (Wikipedia)

Northern American families have changed substantially through the generations. Below are some of the changes Chapter 6 discusses:
  • percentage of married-couple houses with children is decreasing
  • increase in single-parent households and remarried parent-households
  • households are now smaller, women have fewer children
  • cohabitation without marriage has increased
  • shift in women's and men's roles in the household has changed
  • emphasis on pursuing a career versus starting a family
  • growth in computer-based work

The rest of the chapter discusses how the introduction of ICTs has influenced families. Most households today have multiple technological devices, a space dedicated to computer use, children are gifted a phone at a young age, some kids can use technology better than the adults in their households, etc. Those that are technologically savvy stand out from those in the family that are not. There is a blend in families between those that operate their daily activities with heavy influences of technology and others that do not. While there have been many discussions about a decrease in family time, it has helped many stay connected and networked. Just like the shifts from nuclear families to non-nuclear families, there has been a shift in the dynamics between family members. Nuclear families have now become networked families. 

Has the instruction of ICTs driven a wedge between family members or strengthened the connection? How have ICTs changed your family dynamics?

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