American Family and Personal Relationships
Family Structure --- What is the typical American family like? If Americans are asked to name the members of their families, family structure becomes clear. If married Americans name husband, wife and their children, they refer to the immediate family. Aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents are considered as extended family.

In the 1950s, the majority of American households were the classic traditional family --- a husband, wife and two children. The father was the “breadwinner”(the one who earned money to support the family) and the mother was he “homemaker”(the one who took care of the children, managed the household, and did not work outside the home). Today, however, the reality is much different. Only 25% of American families are traditional. The majority of American households consist of …(See PPt). Perhaps most surprising, 25% of American live alone.
Family Values --- (See PPt). 美国人的家庭理想是帮助每个成员达成目标而共同合作，并且彼此分享情感从而给每个成员注入新的情感力量。从这方面讲，家庭与宗教有着相同之处。美国人把家庭和宗教视为人类精神的避难所，在这里可以远离外界激烈的竞争，并且养精蓄锐以继续奋斗。Although in many cases churches and families do not succeed in the task of spiritual renewal, this remains the ideal of church and family in he America.
Individual Freedom and Equality in the Family --- Americans view the family as a group whose …(See PPt). In contrast to many other cultures, the primary responsibility of the American family member is not to advance the family as a group, either socially or economically. Neither is it to bring honor to the family name.

Americans do not like to have controls placed on them by other family members. For example, both men and women expect to decide what job is the best for them as individuals. Indeed, young Americans are encouraged to make such independent career decisions. What would be best for the family is not usually considered to be as important as what would be best