Many studies have been conducted over the past century concerning Canadian family life. In order to predict what Canadian family life will look like in the year 2100 we must first explore its past, in doing so we will find changes in attitudes, values, legislation, and economic conditions that will present Canadian a variety of choices, which they have never, been accustomed to before. Though some will argue that these changes will result in the end of family life, as we know it, this essay will show that while marriage and divorce rates fluctuates, Canadian’s will still have a persuasive desire for commitment and marriage, as it will remain the most popular choice for family life in Canada
Post industrialization resulted in urbanization and a clear division of labour. This division of labour consisted of men being providers and breadwinners while women were responsible for domestic duties and child rearing. This simplistic approach to family life and social expectations were continued throughout the 1950’s and was reinforced by researchers who argued mothers would give priority to child rearing and homemaking rather than working for pay. Further research in the 50’s gave way to the ‘Ideal Family’ concept, which consisted of two parents and at least one child, the father being the breadwinner and the wife being the homemaker. During this period women’s options were limited. Marriage in many ways was their only way of financial survival. Women became subservient to their husbands, and their non-paying domestic roles were held in very low regard. As time pasted more and more women began to enter the workforce and the ‘two-earner family’ emerged. By the 70’s alternatives to the ideal family concept were being proposed. The open marriage was one of the proposals, where each spouse pursued individualistic goals for the betterment of the family. Communal living was another; this family form consisted of two partners living together outside of marriage. These changes in attitudes and valves broke away from traditional structural functionalist thinking that argued in favour of the ideal family concept.
