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  • Essay / Evaluating different family dynamics and their effects on...

    In Robert Kuttner's article "The Politics of the Family", he comprehensively examines the broad field of the family from an outside perspective. Kuttner frequently uses the words "most Americans" throughout his essay, examining both right-wing and left-wing political elements on the issue. In Susan Dominus' article, "Growing Up with Mom and Mom," Dominus addresses this topic based on an interview with Ry Russo-Young, born and raised by a lesbian couple through artificial insemination. Although the perspectives of the two articles may vary, both authors agree that there are still many controversies on issues of marriage, family, and social policy. Family is a delicate subject for most people; everyone has an opinion on how to raise their family and what is best. As Kuttner says, "few people (married or single) care unless kids are involved." (Kuttner, 2002) Even if this is the case, it is recognized that children benefit from being raised by a loving family with a strong support network, especially by a married couple. Love may not cure many things, but it is known that love within a family and community, like social supports, is most beneficial for children and families in general. Although some believe that there may be differing opinions on what constitutes a family and what is best for the children, love and support are something that everyone seems to agree on. One wonders why with this agreement, why there is such pressure for welfare mothers to return to work if welfare is truly necessary, and with the possible sacrifice of children's well-being. The family, which has been continually redefined, is moving away from the aura where women had no rights or were confined to the home, to one where homosexual couples can...... middle of paper. .....uch like Ry for being open about their parents. Social policy and social policy changes. Both authors will address changing attitudes on issues of marriage, family, and social policy. They both have different perspectives, one coming from a general point of view and the other from a more intimate interview about a given case. Nevertheless, Kuttner and Dominus demonstrate that there is still much debate surrounding these issues and that there is much to be done, what needs to be done depends on which side of the debate you are on. Our society is changing and, despite the debates, it is only a matter of time before everyone has equal rights and equal opportunities to marry and start a family. Works Cited The Politics of Family, Robert Kuttner, from American Prospect, April 8, 2002 Growing up with Mom and Mom, Susan Dominus, New York Times Magazine, October 24, 2004