The following are links to others that are including topics and opinions on family relations that you might find interesting:

•             Alexis Priestly	http://lexandfamily.weebly.com/the-family.html
•             Ally McClain	http://www.allysfamilylife.blogspot.com/
•             Amber Kranc	http://amberkranc.blogspot.com/
•             Annabel Detering	http://thoughtsonhomeandfamily.blogspot.com/
•             Bailey Baird	http://baileybaird.blogspot.com/
•             Caitlin Schofield	http://caitlinschofield.blogspot.com/
•             Candice Merrill	http://candicermerrill.blogspot.com/
•             Cristel Carlini	http://familiesareforeverandever.blogspot.com/
•             Elisse Cook	http://lovethatlasts4ever.blogspot.com/
•             Emily Hayes	http://thenutty9.blogspot.com/
•             Erica Arguello	http://familiesconnectedtoheaven.blogspot.com/
•             Hailey Patera	http://haileypaterafamily.blogspot.com/
•             Haley Lucas	http://miissblondiiefamilies.blogspot.com/
•             Heather Christensen	http://thefamilyrelationship.blogspot.com/
•             Janaya L. Johnson	http://the-family-is-ordained-of-god.blogspot.com/
•             Jenney Premont	http://thatsalongtime.blogspot.com/
•             Julie Moss	http://lovemyeternalfamily.blogspot.com/
•             Kayleena Johnston	http://throughtheeternities.blogspot.com/
•             Kaylonnie White	http://tormentorjoy.blogspot.com/
•             Kelsey Lawrence	http://familysmatteralot.blogspot.com/
•             Kelsey Murphy	http://kelseyleighannmurphy.blogspot.com/
•             Kody Daffer	http://kodydaffer.blogspot.com/
•             Krystal Palmer	http://alove4eternity.blogspot.com/
•             Laura Hudgins	http://centeredonfamily.weebly.com/index.html
•             Madeline Vance	http://madelinemarievance.blogspot.com/
•             McKayla Nicole Hess	http://smilingfamilies.blogspot.com/
•             Michael Watts	http://someviewsonlife.blogspot.com/
•             Olivia Welch	http://thestrongestalliance.blogspot.com/
•             Patrick Williams	http://patrickallenwilliams.blogspot.com/
•             Rachel Blaylock	http://4everfamiles.blogspot.com/
•             Rachel Escobar	http://raebar92.blogspot.com/
•             Sammi Scott	http://sammischaweet.blogspot.com/
•             Tamara Handa	http://familiiesareforever.blogspot.com/
•             Tina Trepanier	http://tinatrepanier.blogspot.com/
•             Tod Flory	http://familyrelationsbytod.blogspot.com/
Clarissa Beamer
Ailli Brown
Brandi Cash
Kylee Goodworth
Mallary Goude
Emily Hayes
Allison Hughes
Hannah Joyce
Jonathon Mann
Allison McClellan
Michaela Ostler
Linda Plate
Lindy Provost
Whitney Reed
Miriam  Rios-Reyes
Sammi Scott
Titan Sweeten
Kim Tafua	http://kimsfamilyrelations.blogspot.com/
Olivia Welch
Hayley Woodbury

Trends of intimate relationships & the relationship to birth rates

This weeks classes we discussed how different societal trends for different countries, cultures and religions play a part on their views of intimate relationships.  The trends and norms here in American vary greatly from many other countries, especially on the topic of relationships, marriage and how that correlates with birth rates.  There are several factors that come into play here; namely, premarital sex, unwed mothers, living alone, cohabitation, delaying marriage, divorce, etc.

I grew up with the religious belief that a man and a woman saved sexual relations until after they were married and that you should have children right away and as many as you are able.

What influences do you think your own cultural or religious backgrounds have on your thoughts of marriage? 

1st week of classes-research

Do we question the things we hear or read, especially if they are spouting off some sort of research that proves or disproves a point?  Do we just accept things at face value, figuring this source knows what they are talking about?  When we are reading a book, do we look at the footnotes and references?  Why don't we question more, think more, read more about what is being said or read?  We don't have time?  We don't care?  We just make assumptions that all that is said or read is correct...they've done the 'homework' on it or the way they've articulated the idea seems to make sense...therefore, it is.  Hmmm.

We had a reading assignment on a current event.  When we looked closely at the research, it was amazing that most of it actually had NOTHING to do with the statement or point they were trying to make.  I'll give you the link and if you desire you should read it and see how you feel after.  Pay attention to the chart and who was surveyed or included in the experiment.  Was there a control group?  Did it have anything to do with what they stated this gave them actual evidence for? 

People are often surprised to learn how frequently personal opinion, public opinion, public policy and law are influenced by family or other social science research. This is especially true when the research findings are widely published, as has been the case with the issues of "same-sex marriage".

 

One of the most significant social issues of the last several centuries--one which divides our nation and the world almost right down the middle--is the issue of marriage. Until the last ten years no recorded civilization has ever considered marriage anything other than the union between a man and a woman. Now many are confused; private opinions are changing as individuals wonder whether their life-long assumptions and values are correct. Nations, communities and families are torn as to how to respond to the demands that marriage be redefined in a way never before considered possible.

 

 Much of the debate, including the debate and testimony in the United States Supreme Court, focuses of the effects such redefinition of marriage and family would have upon children. March 27, 2013, the Supreme Court Justices heard testimony on both sides of the issue stemming from California's Proposition 8. The proposition passed (twice) by California voters states simply that "only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.".

 

One such brief presented to the Supreme Court was prepared by the American Psychological Association (APA) in 2005. That brief was created and widely distributed "to serve the needs of psychologists, lawyers, and parties in family law cases....Although comprehensive, the research summary is focused on those issues that often arise in family law cases involving lesbian mothers or gay fathers" (APA Brief, 2005, p. 3) This brief included the assertion: "Not a single study has found children of lesbian or gay parents to be disadvantaged in any significant respect relative to children of heterosexual parents (p. 15). This brief has been used widely to change state and family law, not federal.

 

Another brief was filed and considered by the courts. Dr. Loren Marks wrote Same-sex parenting and children’s outcomes: A closer examination of the American Psychological Association’s brief on lesbian and gay parenting. This brief examines the validity of the research upon which the APA brief was based, and is sure to surprise most of its readers.   

Marks - Examination of APA Brief (anotated).pdf  

 

Post what you think about this.  Not on the issue of same-sex parenting or marriage, but on taking what you read and hear at face value.  Do you care to KNOW the truth!  Do you think you might find out their sources now or is it just easier to repeat info. that you just ASS-U-ME is correct?  Hmmmm.....