As Societal Norms Evolve And Popular Entertainment
As Societal Norms Evolve A Variety Of Popular Entertainment Media Bo
As societal-norms evolve, a variety of popular entertainment media (books, movies, TV shows, etc.) feature stories of characters who are a part of traditional and non-traditional family or relationship structures. Examples include but are not limited to: traditional families, cohabitation, single-parent households, blended families, same-sex couples, and grandparents as the primary caregivers for their grandchildren. In a 3-page paper, written in APA format using proper spelling/grammar, address the following: Describe a book, movie, or TV show that you are familiar with which features characters in families or personal relationships. Select at least two families/relationships from your chosen story and explain the relationship characteristics and dynamics between individuals. Apply terminology presented within the module when analyzing the relationships. Be sure to include APA citations for any resources you used as references.
Paper For Above instruction
Title: Exploring Family and Relationship Dynamics in "This Is Us"
"This Is Us" is a critically acclaimed television series that intricately explores various family configurations, highlighting both traditional and non-traditional relationships. Throughout the series, viewers are introduced to multiple families, each illustrating different relational dynamics and societal norms. The show's portrayal of these relationships offers a nuanced insight into the evolving landscape of family structures, emphasizing emotional connections, challenges, and the social context shaping these bonds.
One prominent family depicted in the series is the Pearson family, which exemplifies a traditional nuclear family with a strong emphasis on emotional bonds and intergenerational relationships. Jack and Rebecca Pearson’s relationship demonstrates a healthy marital bond characterized by mutual support, communication, and shared values. Their relationship aligns with the concept of a monogamous, marriage-based family structure, emphasizing companionship and parental roles. Applying the terminology from the module, their relationship can be described as an affective bond rooted in emotional intimacy and shared goals (Johnson, 2008). The dynamics within this family highlight roles and expectations typical of traditional families, such as parental nurturing and caregiving, as well as the importance of stability and cohesion.
Contrasting the Pearsons’ traditional structure, the series also explores non-traditional relationships, such as the relationship between Kevin and his half-sister Kate, which underscores complex familial ties and blended family dynamics. The series presents Kevin as a single father co-parenting with his ex-wife, showcasing the evolving family arrangement outside the conventional nuclear family. This relationship highlights the role of co-parenting, characterized by cooperation, negotiation, and shared responsibility (Lamb & Tamis-LeMonda, 2004). The dynamics involve balancing personal ambitions with parental duties, often requiring effective communication and conflict resolution skills. Such relationships reflect the societal shift towards recognizing diverse family forms and redefining traditional roles within families.
In conclusion, "This Is Us" offers a compelling portrayal of various family dynamics, illustrating that family relationships are complex and multidimensional. Through the depiction of traditional nuclear families and blended or non-traditional arrangements, the series emphasizes the diversity of modern family structures and the importance of understanding relationship characteristics within different societal contexts. Analyzing these relationships with appropriate terminology enables a deeper appreciation of the social and emotional facets that define contemporary family life.
References
- Johnson, S. M. (2008). The practice of family therapy. Pearson Education.
- Lamb, M. E., & Tamis-LeMonda, C. S. (2004). The Role of Co-parenting in Child Development. Developmental Psychology, 40(6), 1017–1023.