Contemporary Marriage and Family Research

****WILL PROVIDE TEXTBOOK NEEDED FOR PAPER**** Assignment Overview Write a 4–6 page research paper that explores a major theme related to contemporary marriage and family life. Your paper must use only the required textbook as a source — no outside sources are permitted for this assignment. You will be graded on understanding, synthesis, organization, critical thinking, and correct APA citation from the textbook. Purpose This assignment: Strengthens your ability to synthesize textbook material. Helps you connect multiple concepts across chapters. Develops academic writing and citation skills using a foundational text in the field. Topic Options (Choose ONE) You must choose one of the following research topics. Your paper should address the topic comprehensively using evidence and examples from the textbook (with proper APA citations). 1. Changing Family Structures Analyze how definitions and structures of families in the United States have changed over time. Use the textbook to explain historical context, sociological causes, and implications for modern families. 2. Gender Roles and Family Dynamics Discuss the role of gender expectations and identities in intimate relationships and family functioning. Use the textbook to explain how gender shapes roles, communication, and power in families. 3. Intimacy, Communication, and Conflict Examine the development of intimacy, communication patterns, and conflict resolution in couples and families. Use textbook concepts to describe what influences healthy vs. unhealthy patterns. 4. Cohabitation, Marriage, and Singlehood Compare and contrast cohabitation, marriage, and remaining single. Use textbook evidence to explain motivations, trends, and relationship outcomes. 5. Parenting and Childrearing in Contemporary Families Explore contemporary parenting roles, styles, and challenges. Use the textbook to describe how parenting has changed and what influences parent–child relationships. 6. Divorce, Remarriage, and Stepfamilies Discuss factors that contribute to divorce and the experiences of remarriage and blended families. Use the textbook to describe challenges, strengths, and implications for family members. Paper Structure & Expectations Your paper should include the following sections: 1. Introduction (≈ ½ page) Clearly introduce your topic. Present a central thesis statement — a claim or argument your paper will defend or explain. Briefly preview the major points you will address. 2. Literature Integration from Textbook (≈ 1–1½ pages) Define key concepts using the textbook. Use multiple chapter references to show breadth of engagement with the text. Include direct quotations or paraphrases with page numbers. Example in-text citation: According to Cohen and Strong (2021), family life is influenced by cultural context and social institutions (p. 32). 3. Analysis & Discussion (≈ 2–3 pages) Develop your main arguments using evidence from the textbook. Connect theory and real-world examples as presented in the textbook. Compare/contrast ideas from different chapters as needed. Be sure to cite every idea, fact, or quote taken from the book. 4. Conclusion (≈ ½–1 page) Summarize your main findings. Restate your thesis in a new way. Discuss the broader significance of your topic for understanding marriage and family. Citation Requirements You must adhere to APA format. Textbook Citation (APA) Reference (to include on Reference Page): Cohen, T. F., & Strong, B. (2021). The marriage and family experience: Intimate relationships in a changing society (14th ed.). Cengage. In-Text Examples (APA) Paraphrase: (Cohen & Strong, 2021, p. 45) Direct quote: According to Cohen and Strong (2021), “…” (p. 102).

Project ID: 40413861