Families Exactly what is a family Until about 50 years ago, the traditional American family consisted (46) a working husband, a wife at home, and two or more children. Responsibilities were clearly (47) (divide) in an American nuclear family. While the husband was earning a living, the wife was caring for the home and (48) (raise) the children. Of course, there were (49) (except), but this concept of the family was the general rule until the 1960s. Since the 1960s, (50) how, the family has become more diverse, fragile, and changeable. Americans have accepted differing concepts of families, (51) (include) single-parent, blended, two-paycheck, interracial, childless, and commuter families. Some critics believe that the American family has suffered (52) (great) because of all the changes in society. According to these critics, the family had been much stronger before it began to struggle with issues such (53) divorce, working mothers, gay couples, and unmarried relationships. Today’s strongest critics feel that the traditional nuclear family will become rare in the 21st (54) . Nationwide, however, most Americans believe that the family is going to survive. In fact, almost all major surveys in recent years have found that the American family is as strong as it has ever been. For most Americans, the family continues to provide their deepest source of satisfaction and meaning in life. Thus, although today’s family is different from (55) it used to be, it seems to be thriving.