Chapter 5 Family Problems

Shaken Baby Syndrome is a condition caused by violently shaking an infant, resulting in severe brain damage. It is considered a form of child abuse because it is a deliberate act of harming a child. Elder abuse refers to mistreatment of elderly individuals and is not relevant to the condition. Polygamy and serial monogamy are types of relationship structures and have no direct connection to Shaken Baby Syndrome.

Polygamy is the practice of having multiple spouses simultaneously. In the United States, polygamy is considered illegal and is referred to as bigamy. Bigamy specifically refers to the act of marrying someone while already being legally married to another person. This term is used to distinguish it from other forms of marriage, such as same-sex marriage, civil unions, and common-law marriages, which may be legally recognized in certain states.

Intimate Partner Violence refers to abusive behavior that occurs within a romantic relationship. The patterns of Intimate Partner Violence include intimate terrorism, common couple violence, and violent resistance. Intimate terrorism involves a pattern of control and domination by one partner over the other. Common couple violence refers to occasional acts of violence that arise due to conflicts. Violent resistance occurs when the victim of abuse responds with violence in self-defense. Serial monogamy, on the other hand, is not a pattern of Intimate Partner Violence. It refers to a series of monogamous relationships over time, rather than a specific form of abuse.

Divorce mediation is the correct answer because it aligns with the description provided. Divorce mediation involves a neutral third party, the mediator, who helps divorcing couples reach agreements on various issues like property division, child custody, child support, and spousal support. The goal of divorce mediation is to minimize conflict and promote cooperation between the individuals involved.

Most divorced individuals remarry and create blended families. This means that they form new families with their new partners, combining children from previous relationships and possibly having children together. The term "blended" refers to the blending of family members from different backgrounds into a new family unit. This term is commonly used to describe families that have been formed through remarriage after divorce.

Child abuse refers to any action or behavior that causes harm or poses a risk of harm to a child. This can include physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, as well as neglect. Sending a child to school against their will does not fall under the category of child abuse as it is a requirement for their education and well-being.

The correct answer is patriarchy. This is because the given statement describes a male-dominated family system where wives and children take the last name of the husband/father. This tradition reflects the power and authority held by men in the family, which is a characteristic of patriarchy. Monogamy refers to the practice of having only one spouse, while polygyny and polygamy involve having multiple spouses, but they do not specifically address the dominance of men in the family system.

The correct answer is "family" because it refers to a kinship system of all relatives living together or recognized as a social unit, including adopted people. This term encompasses the concept of a group of individuals who are related by blood, marriage, or adoption and live together as a unit. The other options, such as domestic partnership and individualism, do not accurately describe the given definition.

Child abuse refers to the physical or mental harm, sexual abuse, negligence, or maltreatment inflicted upon a child below the age of 18 by someone who is responsible for their welfare. This can include parents, guardians, relatives, or caregivers. Child abuse is a serious issue that can have long-lasting effects on a child's physical and emotional well-being. It is crucial to identify and address cases of child abuse to ensure the safety and protection of children.

The given correct answer is "cycle of abuse". This term refers to a pattern of abuse where a violent or abusive episode is followed by a period of reconciliation, where the abuser expresses remorse, asks for forgiveness, and promises to change. However, this period of calm is temporary, as another instance of abuse eventually occurs, restarting the cycle. This pattern can continue in an ongoing cycle of abuse, causing significant harm to the victim.

Individualism refers to the tendency of prioritizing one's own self-interests and personal happiness over the interests of their family and community. This means that individuals focus more on their individual needs and desires rather than considering the needs and well-being of their family and community as a whole. This mindset can lead to a shift away from collective goals and values towards a more individualistic approach to life and relationships.

The correct answer is the marital resiliency perspective. This view acknowledges that poverty, unemployment, discrimination, and lack of basic services have a greater impact on the well-being of individuals and families than the decline in married two-parent families. It also recognizes that divorce can provide a way out of dysfunctional home environments for both adults and children. This perspective emphasizes the importance of resilience and adaptation within marriages and families, rather than focusing solely on the decline of marriage.

The correct answer is monogamy. Monogamy refers to the practice of being married to only one person at a time. This is the only legal form of marriage in the United States, meaning that individuals are only allowed to be legally married to one person at a time. Polygamy, on the other hand, is the practice of having more than one spouse at the same time, and polygyny specifically refers to having multiple wives. However, both polygamy and polygyny are not legally recognized forms of marriage in the United States.

Serial monogamy refers to the practice of entering into a series of monogamous marriages or long-term committed relationships throughout one's lifetime. This means that an individual, after the end of one monogamous relationship, enters into another exclusive partnership. It does not involve having an affair outside of a marriage or being married to multiple people simultaneously.

Parental alienation syndrome refers to a situation where one parent manipulates a child to reject the other parent, often through emotional abuse. This can include tactics such as badmouthing the other parent, withholding affection, or creating a negative image of the other parent in the child's mind. Therefore, emotional abuse is the correct answer as it accurately describes the nature of parental alienation syndrome.

Shaken baby syndrome refers to a form of child abuse where a caretaker forcefully shakes a baby, leading to severe injuries such as brain or retinal hemorrhage. This action can cause long-lasting damage or even death to the child. It is important to recognize and address this form of child abuse to protect the well-being and safety of infants. The other options, child abuse, elder abuse, and cycle of abuse, do not specifically describe the act of shaking a baby to the point of causing such injuries.

The term "refined divorce rate" refers to the number of divorces per 1,000 married women. This measure provides a more accurate representation of divorce rates by specifically focusing on the population of married women. It helps to understand the prevalence of divorces in relation to the number of married women, rather than the general population. This term is commonly used in social research and demographic studies to analyze divorce trends and patterns.

Covenant marriage is a type of marriage that is offered in a few states and requires premarital counseling. It also permits divorce only under the condition of fault or after a marital separation of more than two years. This type of marriage is designed to promote stronger and more committed relationships by making divorce more difficult to obtain. It encourages couples to work through their issues and seek counseling before considering divorce as an option.

Elder abuse refers to the physical or psychological abuse, financial exploitation, or medical abuse or neglect of the elderly. It involves any form of mistreatment or harm inflicted upon older adults, whether it is intentional or unintentional. This can include physical violence, emotional abuse, neglect, or the misuse of an elderly person's financial resources. Elder abuse is a serious issue that can have detrimental effects on the well-being and quality of life of older individuals.

Monogamy is the correct answer because it refers to the marriage between two partners, which is the only legal form of marriage in the United States. Monogamy is the practice of having only one spouse at a time, and it is the most common form of marriage in many cultures around the world. It involves a committed and exclusive relationship between two individuals, where they are legally and socially recognized as partners.

Neglect refers to a form of abuse where a minor child or a dependent elderly individual is not provided with adequate attention, supervision, nutrition, hygiene, healthcare, and a safe and clean living environment. This can have severe negative impacts on their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Neglect is considered a serious issue as it deprives individuals of their basic needs and can lead to long-term harm.

No-fault divorce refers to a divorce that is granted based on the claim that there are irreconcilable differences within a marriage, rather than one spouse being legally at fault for the marital breakup. This means that either spouse can request a divorce without having to prove any wrongdoing or fault on the part of the other spouse. This concept allows for a more amicable and less adversarial approach to divorce proceedings, as it focuses on the breakdown of the marriage rather than assigning blame.

Domestic partnership is a legal arrangement that provides some of the same legal benefits and entitlements as marriage for couples who do not wish to get married. It allows them to have certain rights and protections, such as healthcare and inheritance benefits, similar to those enjoyed by married couples. It is not solely a way to avoid paying taxes or the same as marriage, but rather a means to achieve some of the legal benefits associated with marriage without actually getting married.

Bigamy refers to the criminal offense of marrying one person while still legally married to another. In the United States, this act is considered illegal and is punishable by law. It involves entering into a second marriage without obtaining a legal divorce or annulment from the first spouse. Bigamy is seen as a violation of the sanctity of marriage and can have severe legal consequences for the individuals involved.

Corporal punishment refers to the intentional infliction of pain as a means of disciplining or punishing someone for a perceived misbehavior. It involves physically hurting or causing discomfort to the individual, typically through methods such as spanking, slapping, or hitting. This practice has been widely debated and is often considered controversial due to concerns about its effectiveness and potential negative consequences on the individual's physical and psychological well-being.

The claim of "irreconcilable differences" may lead to a no-fault divorce because it suggests that the couple is unable to resolve their issues and reconcile their differences, making it impossible to continue the marriage. This claim does not place blame on either party and does not require proof of fault or wrongdoing, which aligns with the concept of a no-fault divorce where neither party is held responsible for the breakdown of the marriage.

Parental alienation refers to the intentional actions of one parent to manipulate a child's perception of the other parent, leading to the child rejecting or having negative feelings towards the targeted parent. This behavior aims to undermine the relationship between the child and the targeted parent, often resulting in long-term emotional and psychological harm to the child. It involves tactics such as badmouthing, limiting contact, or creating false narratives about the targeted parent. The term "parental alienation" accurately describes the deliberate effort to alienate a child from one of their parents.

Polygyny is a form of marriage in which one husband has multiple wives. This practice is culturally accepted in certain societies and can be found in various parts of the world. In polygynous marriages, the husband is legally married to each of his wives and assumes responsibility for their well-being. This differs from polyandry, which is a form of marriage where one wife has multiple husbands. The term "polygyny" specifically refers to the practice of multiple wives, making it the correct answer in this context.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) refers to actual or threatened violent crimes committed against individuals by their current or former spouses, cohabiting partners, boyfriends, or girlfriends. This term accurately describes the situation described in the question, where individuals are subjected to violence by their intimate partners. The other options, such as marital decline perspective, living apart together (LAT) relationships, and marital resiliency perspective, do not specifically address the issue of violence within intimate relationships.

Patriarchy refers to a social system where husbands and fathers have control and ownership over their wives and children. This implies that wives and children are seen as possessions or property of the male figures in the family. This system often leads to unequal power dynamics within marriages and families, where men hold more authority and decision-making power.

A domestic partnership is a status granted to unmarried couples, including same-sex couples, by some states, counties, cities, and workplaces. This status conveys various rights and responsibilities to the couple, similar to those enjoyed by married couples. It is a legal recognition of the relationship and provides certain benefits and protections. This term is the most appropriate answer as it specifically refers to the described status.

No-fault divorce is the correct answer because it is the only option that does not contribute to the American divorce rate. No-fault divorce laws allow couples to divorce without having to prove that one spouse is at fault, making it easier for couples to end their marriages. Increased economic autonomy of women, equal division of labor between spouses, and individualism all contribute to the American divorce rate by giving individuals more independence and freedom to make decisions about their relationships.

Family scholars have identified a new family form called LAT (Living Apart Together) relationships. This emerging trend involves couples, whether married or unmarried, living in separate residences. LAT relationships have been recognized as a new social phenomenon in various western European countries and the United States.

Adult children are the most likely perpetrators of elder abuse because they are often the primary caregivers for their aging parents. This close relationship can sometimes lead to increased stress and frustration, which may result in abusive behavior. Additionally, adult children may have financial motives for mistreating their elderly parents, such as gaining control over their assets or inheritance. Research has shown that adult children are responsible for a significant portion of elder abuse cases, making them the most likely culprits.

Living apart together (LAT) relationships refer to an emerging family form where couples, whether married or unmarried, choose to live in separate residences. This arrangement allows them to maintain their independence and personal space while still being in a committed relationship. The concept of LAT relationships challenges traditional notions of cohabitation and marriage, highlighting the changing dynamics of modern relationships. This answer is supported by the description provided and accurately identifies the emerging family form described in the question.

In developed Western countries, although gender inequality persists, marriages tend to be more egalitarian. This means that there is a greater emphasis on equality and shared decision-making between partners. This is in contrast to patriarchal marriages where power and authority are typically held by the husband, or matriarchal marriages where power and authority are typically held by the wife. Egalitarian marriages strive for equal rights, responsibilities, and opportunities for both partners, promoting a more balanced and fair relationship dynamic.

Polygamy is the correct answer because it refers to a form of marriage where one person can have multiple spouses. This can include both polygyny, where a man has multiple wives, and polyandry, where a woman has multiple husbands. In this case, since the question does not specify the gender, we can assume that it is referring to polygamy in general. Patriarchy and refined divorce rate are not related to the concept of having multiple spouses, so they are not the correct answers.

Many low-income mothers in Edin's study expressed reluctance to marry their children's father because the men exhibit patterns of untrustworthiness. This suggests that these men may have a history of being unreliable or unfaithful, which creates a lack of trust and makes the mothers hesitant to commit to a marriage with them. This answer implies that the behavior of the men is a significant factor in the mothers' decision-making process.

Divorce mediation is a process that helps divorcing couples resolve issues related to property division, child custody and support, and alimony. It does not involve assessing the relationship or teaching couples how to meet each other's needs. The focus is on facilitating communication and negotiation between the parties to reach mutually agreeable solutions for these specific issues.

The term "second shift" refers to the additional household work and child care responsibilities that employed parents, typically women, have to handle when they come home from their jobs. This term highlights the unequal distribution of domestic duties and the extra burden placed on working mothers. It recognizes the fact that even after a full day of work outside the home, these individuals have to take on a "second shift" of unpaid labor within their households.

The marital resiliency perspective argues that poverty, unemployment, underfunded schools, discrimination, and lack of basic services pose greater threats to the well-being of children and adults than the decline in married two-parent families. This perspective suggests that many marriages in the past were troubled, but societal norms prevented divorce, resulting in these problematic marriages staying intact.

Serial monogamy refers to a pattern of multiple marriages or long-term relationships over a person's lifetime, but only being legally married to one person at a time. This means that individuals engage in a series of monogamous relationships, one after another, rather than having multiple spouses simultaneously. This concept is commonly observed in modern Western societies, where divorce and remarriage are prevalent. It allows individuals to have multiple committed partnerships while adhering to the legal and cultural norms of monogamy.

The cycle of abuse involves a pattern of behavior where a violent or abusive episode is followed by a "makeup period." This period is characterized by the abuser showing remorse, apologizing, and making promises to change their behavior. The purpose of the makeup period is to manipulate the victim into believing that the abuse won't happen again and to maintain control over them. However, this period is temporary, and it is followed by more abusive episodes, continuing the cycle of abuse.

Polyandry refers to the concurrent marriage of one woman to two or more men. This practice is different from polygamy, which refers to the concurrent marriage of one man to two or more women. In polyandry, a woman has multiple husbands, whereas in polygamy, a man has multiple wives. This practice has been observed in certain cultures and societies throughout history. It is important to note that polyandry is not as common as polygamy and is typically found in specific cultural contexts.

The marital decline perspective is the correct answer because it aligns with the pessimistic view of the current state of marriage described in the question. This perspective acknowledges the belief that personal happiness has become more important than marital commitment and family obligations, and it also recognizes the negative consequences of the decline in lifelong marriage and the increase in single-parent families on society.

Louisiana became the first state to offer covenant marriages in 1996. Covenant marriages are a type of marriage that requires couples to undergo pre-marital counseling and agree to limited grounds for divorce. This option was introduced as a way to strengthen marriages and reduce divorce rates.