The Impact of Different Family Structures on Children’s Well- Being and

A well-functioning family structure has an essential value for society because its benefits cover all members of society: children, women, and men. Even though the majority of people recognize the importance of family, not many people fully understand how highly family impacts individual development, especially in young children. Researchers have indicated many types of family structures, yet the focus of this paper will emphasize on the â€Å"traditional family,† the â€Å"single-parent family,† and the â€Å"homosexual family† (Berman, 2012). Conservative Presidential candidate Rick Santorum argues that traditional families can provide a stable home for children’s well-being and development. Santorum’s article opens with an â€Å"open and shut case† argument about the benefit of children in two-parent families (2007). Others assert that certain family structures can potentially provide children a stable home, but not all of them can nurture their basic needs. In spite of the belief that families with a mother and a father present are beneficial for individuals and for society, Evan Wolfson’s â€Å"What is Marriage?† explores the context into same-sex families. In contrast to Santorum, David S. Buckel advocates marriage for homosexual families (2007). In Unequal childhoods: class, race, and family life, Annette Lareau (2011) focuses more about the impact of class, race, and socioeconomic factors in the aspect of child-rearing practices, but not so much about the influence of family structure on the children’s development. Nevertheless, within the context of different family structures, readers can clearly see the invisible benefits of well-functioning families on the growth and development of children. Children from functional two-parent families are les... ...versity Indianapolis, 2005), pp. 51, 52, 65. Web 12, April. 2012. https://scholarworks.iupui.edu/handle/1805/1675 â€Å"What is Behind HRSA's Projected Supply, Demand, and Shortage of Registered Nurses?† Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA, 2004). Web 22, April. 2012. http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/healthcare/pdf/behind_the_shortage.pdf Williams, Christine. â€Å"The Glass Escalator: Hidden Advantages for Men in the ‘Female’ Professions.† Social Problems (1992), pp. 227-240 â€Å"Women's Bureau (WB) – 20 Leading Occupations of Employed Women.† U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (2006). Web 22, April. 2012. http://www.dol.gov/wb/factsheets/20lead2006.htm â€Å"Women’s Bureau – Quick Facts on Registered Nurses (RNs).† U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (2007). Web 22, April. 2012. http://www.dol.gov/wb/factsheets/Qf-nursing-08.htm