Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Award Date

1972

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Home Economics

Abstract

Marriage and the family as we have known them in the past are currently undergoing greater change at a more accelerated rate than ever before in history. Many writers concerned with the family and social problems would lead us to wonder if marriage is disappearing. There is an increase in communal living, exchange of marriage partners, and "open" campus dormitories. The divorce rate has been climbing steadily for a number of years. But when one looks more deeply into communal life for example, it is discovered that the duration of communal living is generally about two years. A study done by Broderick reveals that communes fail to satisfy 90 percent of their members. The main reason is discouragement over job assignment. The communal "drop-outs" drop ''into" marriage. Broderick concluded that, "The family as a survival group is no doubt here to stay.” Home economics has had as its goal helping families adapt and adjust to changing situations affecting them. Home economics has been concerned with and has contributed to the betterment of family life and individuals within the family in such areas as child development, housing, nutrition, and clothing. Home economists are working towards more meaningful personal and family relationships as teachers in high schools, universities, and centers for pre-school children, and also in extension, research, and industry. The challenge to home economists and all others interested in improving family life has never been greater than it is today. In order to improve the quality of family living, more research is needed. This investigation was limited to women graduates of SDSU. Women only were selected because home economics majors were compared to other majors throughout the study and home economics majors tend to be women. Two possible sources of bias are recognized in this study. First, many addresses of alumni who graduated ten years ago were not available. Second, not enough divorced and remarried or separated graduates responded so that comparisons could be make between those divorced and those living with their husbands.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

South Dakota State University -- Students
Home economics -- Study and teaching
Family life surveys

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

84

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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