123 School Work

Contrast between the 1950s nuclear family and the modern family in the film Life as a

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  With the incredible change of the family over the past fifty years, many people wonder if the modern-day family unit is as viable as its 1950's nuclear counterpart. A rising divorce rate, increasing number of single and gay parent homes, and growing number of unique families are all symptoms of this tremendous change. Some believe that this change has depreciated family values and that the family should return to the ideal 1950's structure. While the nuclear family was the ideal structure for the 1950's society, its values and rigid structure are out of date compared to today's diverse family components. Stephanie Coontz relates, "The 1950s family was more of a short-lived experiment than a continuation of a long tradition" (1). This experiment did not stand the test of time and while it was prominent in 1950's society, it does not hold the same functionality it once did. In fact, the modern-day family proves to be the most functional in today's society because it allows for the flexibility to provide personal satisfaction as well as family happiness. Both types of families, the nuclear and modern-day, are embodied in the film Life as a House. The representation of the families in the film further reinforce that the modern-day family is more functional than the 1950's nuclear family.
  While the nuclear family is not the best structure for today's society, it was a viable institution in the 1950s...