Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: This paper argues that accounts of the welfare state as a form of labor market regulation fail to note the long history of the regulation of marriage and family life through US welfare policy. Feminist critiques of labor market approaches have implicitly accepted the emphasis upon welfare as a mechanism for labor market regulation. However, such a focus cannot explain current “pro-marriage” initiatives in the US. Accordingly, this paper traces the long history of the US regulation of family, so that we can better understand how precedent has led to contemporary regulation, and what is distinct about current welfare initiatives. By replacing the framework of “welfare as labor market regulation,” with the Foucauldian account offered by French sociologist Jacques Donzelot, I seek to explain why contemporary legislation is focusing upon the production of nuclear families and marriage. I argue that American welfare has regulated poor families for over a century, however, the definition of a “problem family,” along with state interventions offered, have shifted over time. Consequently, I suggest that the history of US familial welfarism can be conceptualized into four eras of family regulation; Family Breakup (1820-1890); Family Preservation (1890-1962); Nuclear Family Support (1962-1996); and Nuclear Family Governance (1996-present). Such an analysis also suggests a new relationship between poor families and the state in the context of contemporary neoliberal governance.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Abstract
The remarried family (also known as blended, bi-nuclear, and reconstituted family) is projected to become the dominant family form in the United States by the year 2010. However, contemporary society provides few guidelines for organizing families in remarried kinship systems. Uncertainty about who is part of the new remarried family and who is not is characterized as the “unclear family”.
Scholars suggest that the high divorce rate in remarriages can be attributed to problems with sibling relationships in the remarried household. Yet with a few exceptions, there is a lack of research regarding sibling solidarity in remarried families.
Remarried families originally start as an intact or nuclear family. Siblings, who are now in blended sibling groups, at one time for a number of years, grew up in a traditional nuclear family constellation. Four middle range theories (attachment theory, family systems theory, rational choice, and evolutionary theory) and their applicability to sibling relationships in traditional nuclear families, divorced families and remarried families are examined. Lastly, the paper addresses current empirical research -drawing on solidarity concepts developed by Bengtson and Silverstein- where the focus is on solidarity within blended sibling groups (full siblings, half siblings and stepsiblings) in remarried families.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Using grounded theory, this study examined family membership development from the perspective of blended family members. Fifty participants experiencing at least one parental divorce were interviewed. The interviews resulted in the development of the Model of Fluid Families. In the model, properties of fluid dynamics (pressure, velocity, density, permeability, entropy, and time and space) were used to illustrate the various factors that contribute to feelings of family among blended and ex-blended family members.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Family communication schemata and ethnic identity are integral parts of original family life and influence family strength, family satisfaction, and community involvement in one's constructed family. Using hierarchical regression, this study demonstrated the specific relationships among expressiveness, structural-traditionalism, and conflict avoidance from the Family Communication Environment Instrument and ethnic identity affirmation and ethnic identity exploration on family satisfaction, family strength; and community, group, and political involvement.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: This paper explores the influence of dual earner families on community violent crime rates. In particular it examines the similarities and differences between the effects of higher concentrations of single parent families, “traditional” families and dual earner families on county level violent crime rates. Data from the 1990 and 2000 Uniform Crime Report and 1990 and 2000 United States Census is used to test two competing hypothesis of how dual earner families may impact violence rates.