Modern Canadian Families

Changes Effecting Family

1960 - Present

Ethic of Individualism The me generation Youth of the 60s were about “do your

own thing” Rebellion against institutions like

governments, organized religion or the family

Family members began to lead separate lives

The Birth Control Pill Introduced in the 60s Pregnancy could be controlled for the

first time Sex outside of marriage and common-

law relationships became accepted Married couples could limit the number

of their children

Liberalization of Divorce Laws In the past, couples had to prove

adultery to get a divorce In 1968 couples could divorce after

living apart for 3 years Now 40% of marriages end in divorce Causes rise in blended families, single

parent families and lots of custody battles

Changing Women’s Roles Women began attending universities

and colleges in 60s Woman could choose to family and

career Women moved into traditional male

careers Men took on new roles The nanny

Decline of Family Wage In the past, the man’s wages were

enough for family Cost of raising family has risen since

80s It may cost over $150,000 to raise a

child to the age of 18

Smaller Families Rising costs have caused couples to

delay having children Some families decide to have no

children Fertility rate has declined in Canada,

below the rate needed to maintain population

Aging of Society Baby boom generation (people born in

50s and 60s Getting older and living longer The oldest boomers will reach age

sixty-five by the year 2030

Effects of Aging Society Will expect services like housing, and

recreation, and healthcare Weaker family ties may lead

governments to step in Will there be enough care givers? Will pension plans support the large

number of seniors?

Advances in Technology Machines now do dangerous

backbreaking work done by people in the past

Computers, electronics, robotics Now more healthy workplace

Improved Quality of Life Central heating Medical advances Easy transportation Home entertainment

Downside of Technology Working long hours Often have several jobs Can’t get away from work - cell phone Less family time Couch potatoes Destruction of environment