Internalizing of Marriage Attitudes by Adolescents

A new type of family structure is emerging as a product of economic and social changes resulting from the industrialization and urbanization of American society. The traditional family with the authority and power vested in one member, usually the father, seems to be changing to a democratic type in which all members have the freedom to express themselves, and in which affection and mutual interest are crucial. Since young people learn much of their affectionate, companionate, and other patterns of behavior from their parents it is important to know the type of model the parents provide. The democratic pattern of family living may be accepted in theory by young people but one wonders if they are being conditioned to achieve a democratic family life in practice when they marry. The general objectives of this study were: (1) to study the attitudes and practices being internalized by American youth and (2) to study the effect of parental practices upon this internalization. Advisor: J. Joel Mos