This document discusses family values in American culture. It notes that American families traditionally value independence and individualism. Children are often given their own rooms from a young age and are taught responsibility. Many young adults leave home between 18-21 to begin independent lives, and parents do not typically arrange marriages. Elderly family members may be supported by social programs instead of family. While nuclear families are common, some extended families remain close-knit through shared religious or ethnic backgrounds.

1. Class 3B
CCU (Cross Cultural
Understanding)
FAMILY VALUES

2. In order to understand The American family
we need to know values concerning children,
young adult, the elderly and family
structure.

3.  In American it is common for parents to put their
baby in separate room that belongs only to the
child.
 The parents can have their privacy and the baby
can get used to having her/his own room, which
is seen as a step toward personal independence.
 American traditionally have held independence
and a closely related value, individualism.
 Many children are taught at a very early age to
make decisions and to be responsible for their
activity.

4.  . Usually between 18 and 21 years, children
are encouraged, but not forced to leave the
nest and begin an independent life.
 They’ll also find social relationship and
financial support outside the family.
 Parents don’t arrange marriage for their
children and the children don’t ask for
permission from their parents to get married.
 In many families, parents feel children
should make decision by themselves

5. Societal and familial treatment of the elderly
reflects this independence and individualism.
This financial support is often provided by
social or welfare systems which decrease
dependence on the family.
some families send their older relatives to
move home rather than keep them in the
home of child and grandchildren. This
separation makes these people feel isolated.

6.  The Nuclear Family
 Consists of father,
mother and children.
 Has own home and
are economically
independent of other
family.
 Relatives are still
considered their
family but are
outside 5he basic
obligation.
 The Extended Family
 Consists of father,
mother, children,
grandparents, aunts,
uncles, cousins,
nephews, nieces, and
in-laws.
 Children and parents
have strong ties and
obligation to
relatives.
 Older family member
are supported by
their families.

7. Many families have strong religious or ethnic
background which continue to contribute to
the preservating of the close-knit extended
family.
Once the traditional roles and religion had
much stronger influence on the nuclear
family.
Now, economic conditions, social attitudes
and job mobility in America complete with
traditional influences.