Over the past twenty-five years, the changes that have occurred in the family constellation and the family dynamic inside of the traditional family constellation are due to a variety of factors. More women earning degrees and entering the workforce, more single-parent families, adoption, new technologies permitting unique forms of fertilization, and an increase in tolerance for homosexual unions and families have all impacted the family and family dynamic.
While some maintain keeping the status quo of traditional family dynamics and constellation is vital to national strength, others argue that since the Colonial era the only thing constant about families is change. One of the biggest socializing forces that defines and reinforces values, perceptions, and beliefs about family dynamics and family constellation is television. This is important because according to a study by Honeycutt, Wellman, and Larson (1994) ôWatching television is the most popular leisure activity for Americansö (in Strong et al. 2000, 5). This is important because television shows that portray family dynamics and family constellation often maintain the status quo of tradition and when they do change lag far behind real social change. An example of this is the absence of gay characters on television shows, especially in a non-demeaning mode, until the 1990s. Many gay couples adopted children a decade before this and gays have always been a part of society and its families.
Since small children are particularly prone to socialization influences, the significant amount of time spent watching television often forms their views. In fact, according to a study by Greenberg (1994), ôMany of us use TV families as guides to how we should act in our own familiesö (in Strong et al. 2000 5). Unfortunately, TV is often guilty of portraying idealized situations, simple solutions to problems, and stereotypes about traditionally marginalized groups
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