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 on March 01, 1992
Value Shift
LIFE WITH FATHER (AND WITHOUT MADONNA)
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.)
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