The United States is built by a multitude of communities stemming from entirely different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Native Americans are the original inhabitants of America, whose families lived in close-knit communities focused on satisfying the essential needs of their members (Cohen, 2015). Despite their distance from the new arrivals, American Indians had a family system akin to European colonists. Families became more prominent singular cells within a larger structure.
European colonists introduced a foreign culture to Native Americans, whose traditions were suppressed. The concept of extended families was introduced, and marriages turned into a way of forming new alliances. Modern standards of living required additional support from relatives, who sought to spread their influence (Cohen, 2015). However, with the introduction of enslaved African Americans, another shift occurred. Social relationships took over blood ties, as separation of family members was common (Cohen, 2015). Such community cells worked on a common goal that alleviated each individual’s burden. Connections were formed through mutual experiences and focused on long-term profits for all involved persons.
Eventually, the stories of these families intersected and created a unique social environment. Colonialist traditions led to new types of alliances, where persuasion and common interests were put above direct ancestry (Cohen, 2015). New ideals gradually separated people by their potential and goals, as European values, such as autonomy and democracy, affected all involved populations. Roles in a relationship were unified across cultures, with new possibilities appearing for future generations through freedom of choice and partnerships (Cohen, 2015). In conclusion, the American family was formed by three prominent ethnic groups and under heavy influence from European colonists, while enslaved people and native populations had to adapt to this structure.
Reference
Cohen, P. N. (2015). The family: Diversity, inequality, and social change. W. W. Norton & Company.