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2.5: Family Research

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    The American Sociological Association is the largest professional sociology organization in the world. There is a section of ASA members that focuses its studies specifically on the family. Here is an excerpt from their mission statement:

    Many of society's most pressing problems -- teenage childbearing, juvenile delinquency, substance abuse, domestic violence, child and elder abuse, divorce -- are related to or rooted in the family. The Section on Family was founded to provide a home for sociologists who are interested in exploring these issues in greater depth. \({ }^{12}\)

    Many family sociologists also belong to the National Council on Family Relations. \({ }^{13}\) Their mission statement reads as follows:

    The National Council on Family Relations (NCFR) provides an educational forum for family researchers, educators, and practitioners to share in the development and dissemination of knowledge about families and family relationships, establishes professional standards, and works to promote family well-being. \({ }^{14}\)

    Research is important because if the results of a study are made public individuals can use the information to make better choices.

    For example, studies have shown that the leading factor of divorce is not sex problems, failure to communicate, money mismanagement, or even in-law troubles. What is the leading cause of divorce? It is marrying too young. Specifically, if you marry at 17, 18 , or 19 you are far more likely to divorce than if you wait to marry in your 20s. This was discovered and confirmed over decades of studying who divorced and which factors contributed more to divorce than others.


    Footnotes

    12. retrieved 18 May, 2010 from http://www.asanet.org/sections/family.cfm

    13. www.ncfr.org

    14. retrieved 18 May, 2010 from http://ncfr.org/about/mission.asp


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