Chapter 16

Summary
Chapter sixteen examines remarriages and stepfamilies. Stepfamilies are defined as households in which two adults marry or cohabit and at least one of the children is from a previous marriage. Stepfamilies and remarriage are extremely common in the United States. However, the remarriage process is often much more complicated than a first marriage or a divorce and typically includes six steps.
1. Emotional Remarriage
2. Psychic Remarriage
3. Community Remarriage
4. Parental Remarriage
5. Economic Remarriage
6. Legal Remarriage
Remarriages also differ from first marriages in that they change the family composition and role expectations as well as often increase resources. Although stepfamilies often vary in composition, there are three basic types: mother-stepfather families, father-stepmother families, and joint stepfamilies. There are also twelve typical characteristics that set stepfamilies apart from nuclear families.
1. A complex family structure
2. Coping with unique tasks
3. More stress and conflict
4. Integration typically takes years
5. Relationships that abruptly end or quickly begin
6. Continuous transitions and adjustments
7. Less cohesion
8. A need for great flexibility
9. Unrealistic expectations
10. A lack of shared family history
11. Loyalty conflicts
12. Ambiguous family roles
Although the merging of two households often creates numerous issues, remarriage and stepparenting can offer many rewards. For example, remarraied couples often feel closer to their than they did to their former spouses and feel that the communication is better. In addition the children often benefit from having a well-functioning family with minimal conflict. They may also benefit from having stepsiblings by gaining "more experience in interacting, cooperationg, and learning to negotiate with peers".
What I Learned
Coming from a nuclear family, I learned a lot from this chapter. I never realized all of the challenges that stepfamilies face on a daily basis. For example,the constant transitions and adjustments that stepfamilies face as well as the lack of stability would be extremely difficult on children and teens; I couldn't imagine what that must be like in addition to coping with a divorce.
Question/Concern
If you were to get a divorce, do you think you would be open to remarriage and stepparenting? Or would you rather not risk the chance of having to go through a second divorce?