Verified by Life With Father (and Without Madonna)
Presents evidence that the materialism of the eighties is declining while family meaning, values, and support reign. Strengthened commitment to family; Return to family values; Environment; Becoming pessimistic; More.
By PT Staff published March 1, 1992 - last reviewed on June 9, 2016
Value Shift
It isn't simply an invention of the media. There really is a serious value shift in the air. The rampant materialism of the Eighties is in decline. Instead of having and pursuing things, Americans are now looking to their families to supply them with personal meaning and emotional support. Here's some of the evidence:
o Over the last two years, we've strengthened our commitment to the family as a place where we learn emotional support, learn to take responsibility for our actions, and learn respect for others, reveals a set of studies conducted by MassMutual Insurance Company.
o The return to family values does not mean we're in for a rerun of the 1950s. Although families are looking for ways to spend more time together, respondents don't think the mom-as-homemaker model will do. By a vast majority, they do believe that fathers need to spend more time with their families.
o The shift in values augurs well for the environment. More people want their children to find the world in better shape than they did.
o Parents overwhelmingly believe the family is responsible for breeding values in children, but they see the entertainment industry—TV, movies, music videos, and musicians-having more influence on their kids than they do. (Memo to Madonna: Invest wisely.)
o As if another sign were needed, Americans are becoming pessimistic. As dear as they hold it, a shrinking number—barely a third—think family life in America will improve over the next 10 years. The economic squeeze will impinge on families having more time together.
o Things are looking up at the office, however. "Parent track" is no longer a dirty word among America's corporate honchos. In a study of 200 top execs by Robert Half International, a major personnel firm based in California, more than two-thirds believe companies should offer career paths that allow a working parent more family time.
Almost all the execs said workers are more concerned with balancing family duties today than in the past, and fewer are willing to fast-track it with long hours.
So long, material girls—and guys.
Photo: MATERIAL WORLD: Not in the '90s, folks, when family values reign. ((c) Grapes/Michaud/Photo Researchers, Inc.)
