In this module, you learned about the different types of family. You learned about the changing of family to include many types of family structures beyond the traditional nuclear family. You learned theories that explain the major role that family plays in the structure of society. You also learned about the troubles that families face today. These include domestic violence, high divorce and remarriage rates, custody battles and inadequate child support. In this discussion, you will apply a theoretical explanation of family in order to determine if these changes mean that the family structure has broken down.

1. Pick one of the theories that you learned in this module and summarize the arguments that it makes about the function of the family.
2. Apply this theory’s arguments to the modern American family. Use specific examples of how the modern family meets or does not meet the theory’s definition of family function.
3. Based on this theoretical analysis, discuss whether the modern family is in a state of breakdown. Tie this discussion back to your specific examples.