by Samantha Rouse

Created on: January 18, 2007   Last Updated: April 30, 2007

Families have changed extremely throughout time. In the beginning, as believed, a "caveman" had the connection of family that we have today. Although first starting out, the difference between men and women became obvious. Because of womens physical capability, they could not get out and hunt, therefore, it was the man's responsibility. However, a hunt didn't always bring home supper to feed the family. So, it was the mother left to gather food; it was easier to take the children gathering than hunting, so the mother was left with the responsibily of childcare.

In rome, the family was much like today. However, the father took greater joy in a son. He would take him with him everywhere. He would teach him everything he knew.
In most societies, adoption was not uncommon. If a man did not have a son, he would take a male in to be the successor of his name and fortune. However, adoption did not come when a child was at an early age, most males were adopted at a later age so that his personality and moral fiber was already established. It was easier for the adopter to see what kind of successor they would be at this age.
It was very common to see step brother's and sister's and half siblings, not always because of divorce, but because of death. The death rate was very high and parents would remarry and take on more family.
Later in the years, especially in European countries, family became very united. They would sleep, work, eat, school, and live all in one room. The family was together and worked together. However, as the times became more technologically advanced, fathers especially, started commuting to cities for work. Because of this, the family began to get separated. The home became a place of relaxation and a time for the father to connect with his family. This may be how today's idea of "Home sweet Home" came about. A comforting, loving, relaxing home is not an old idea, it is fairly new.
Fast forward to American families around the eighteen hundreds. Children were considered extra help. Couples tried to have lots of children to help out on the farm. It was common to have 6, 7, even 10 or 12 children. The mortality rate for infants was very high. Most were lucky to make it past 1 yr. because they did not have the medical advances we have now.
Today, family is still changing. Families used to stay combined and unified with each other. It is rare that you find a community where almost everyone is related. That is how it used to be. Extended family would live closely in the same comminity. Now, it is not like that. Why? We can blame it on a lot of factors...but one major one sticks out. Technology. This has allowed us to be thousands of miles apart but still stay connected with e-mails, telephones, instant messaging, etc. It is truly a blessing, but, don't you wish you could see all your family members everyday?
Parents used to be extremely involved with their children. Now, both parents are working, and there is no time for quality time. The television has become the free "babysitter." What ever happened to board games and catch? Even dinner is now being eaten in front of the tv.
What has our family become? Do we value are family more or less than we did "back then?"

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