Chapter 3: THe Family in a Historical Perspective

Summary
Since this chapter is based on a historical perspective, the author introduces us to the colonial family. This includes analyzing different characteristics about this early family such as structure, sex, husbands and wives, children's lives, and social class and regional differences.
After introducing this traditional, American family, the author goes over families of non-European descent. These include American Indians, African Americans, and Mexicans.
Going in a time-line-like sequence, the author moves onto the 1820s-1930s, which covers family life, immigration, and work.
The book notes that the modern family emerges in the 1900s when the idea of the companionate family becomes more popular. The Great Depression and World War II are touched upon because they had great affects on the family. Myths about the Golden Fifties are revealed followed by an overview of the family since the 1960s.

Points of Interest
First of all, when the chapter talked about bundling, it made me think of the rule that if an unmarried couple slept together in the same bed, it was only acceptable if they both kept one of their feet on the floor. I believe this was exemplified in the show Happy Days when two of the characters get stuck in a hotel together.
In the section about American Indians, I was reminded of the show Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman. The townspeople were constantly struggling with the Cheyenne Indians. Sully tried his best to settle the tension between the townspeople and the Indians, but he could only do so much.
In the blurb, Characteristics of "True Womanhood," I found it odd that they believed women to be "more religious and spiritual than men." In the Bible, it encourages the men to lead their wives spiritually. I guess they just interpreted the Bible wrong.
I found the Daddy's Coming Home! article extremely interesting. I thought everything was perfect and happy when fathers arrived home to their families, but apparently there were many problems.

Concerns
I understand that the Asian population may not have been as dominant as the Indian population or the others that the book talked about. However, I wish they would have discussed them more because America does have a large amount of Asians and I would have been interested to learn about their traditions and values.