Click on the following links. Please note these will open in a new window.

Video Links:

1. Video 7.1: Social Capital and the Power of Relationships: Al Condeluci
Description: In this Ted Talk, Al Condeluci explores the power of relationships for increasing social capital.

2. Video 7.2: Andrew Cherlin on Marriage
Description: In this brief and engaging presentation by family sociologist Andrew Cherlin, the changing nature of marriage and relationship formation is explored. Cherlin explores the social, practical, and symbolic value of marriage as well as the social forces shaping marriage and partnership today. The deinstitutionalization of marriage is introduced.

3. Video 7.3: Mixed Race Marriages in the South
Description: This video from the New York Times explores the growth of mixed race marriages in the southern U.S. Statistical data alongside personal reflections on living in mixed race families make the video engaging. The social forces influences mate selection as well as race and ethnicity are explored.

Audio Links:

1. Audio 7.1: How Mormon Polygamy in the 19th Century Fueled Women’s Activism
Description: Pulitzer Prize winning author Laurel Thatcher Ulrich explores how for Mormon women living in 19th century Utah, “plural marriages” were empowering in complicated ways. This interesting discussions offers an opportunity to explore family forms and confront deeply held norms about normative family life.

2. Audio 7.2: Marriage in Crisis – and the Role of Love
Description: In this interview from NPR’s Fresh Air, social historical Stephanie Coontz discusses the history of marriage and overviews the social origins of marriage over time. She thoughtfully illustrates how the love became a modern expectation for marriages and how love has traditionally been viewed as threatening to marriage. Through the history of marriage norms, the nature of the institution is illuminated and explored.

Web Links:

1. Web 7.1: The National Council on Family Relations
Description: The National Council on Family Relations (NCFR) provides a forum for family researchers, educators, and practitioners to share in the development and dissemination of knowledge about families and family relationships, establishes professional standards, and works to promote family well-being. The NCFR publishes two scholarly journals–Journal of Marriage and Family and Family Relations [self-description].

2. Web 7.2: Administration for Children and Families
Description: Official government statistics on these issues is available through the Department of Health and Human Service (DHSS) Administration for Children and Families.