Ideology and utopia in family studies since the second world war

Abstract

Mannheim conceptualized the thought and action system of a society as directed toward either stability or change. The former framework, ‘ideology≐, takes a metaphysical view of the past and present and thus precludes the possibility of change. The latter framework, ‘utopia≐, focuses on change and thus denies the validity of the present. Ideology and utopia have alternately characterized the United States since the Second World War.The period following the war was dominated by proponents of social stability; the 1960s were dominated by pro ponents of social change; the 1970s are again the stage for proponents of stability. This paper contends that this struggle has been reflected in a debate within family studies concerning stability and change in the nuclear family. The major issues in this debate include stability vs change in the nuclear family; the role and status of women in the family and in society; the male's contribution to the family; and the relationship of the family to the care of children. The debate between ideology and utopia in family studies since the Second World War is presented and critiqued. Particular attention is given to the emergent ideological stance which is currently being taken toward the family. The conclusion is drawn that this ideological stance will prevent family studies from considering innovative solutions to family-related problems which are currently troubling women, men and children.