New research about an old institution challenges the conventional wisdom that the family today is worse off than in the past.
The key to regaining a sense of stability during this period of wrenching social, cultural and economic change isn't reclaiming 'traditional family
values.' According to historian/author Stephanie Coontz, it's adapting our
social institutions.
Stephanie Coontz, who studies the history of American families, was riding
to the airport when her taxi driver started railing against the welfare system.
Hilo, Hawaii -- Criticism of the corruption of Mothers Day has become as much a cliché as the holiday itself. Most people believe that Mother's Day started out as a private celebration
of women's family roles and relations. We took Mom breakfast in bed to thank
her for all the meals she made us. We picked her a bouquet of flowers to
symbolize her personal, unpaid services.