Family Interview Paper

In this paper about family through the years, I chose family members from different sides of my family. I chose a cousin from my mother’s side, Maria Chavira, and one from my father’s side, Berlyn Martinez. They are both from different demographics and different generations. I specifically chose them for this reason. Through this paper I will discuss their demographics, generations, responses to the three questions I created, similarities and differences, and compare them to my perspectives.

Berlyn Martinez is the oldest daughter of a single parent. In a couple of days she will turn twenty years old. Her biological dad was not present but her mother’s boyfriend stepped in and was the father figure in her life. However, a few years ago, he

In terms of the first question, Maria had stated that if I had asked about divorce a few years ago she would have said that she did not believe in divorce. However, she has seen so many of her friends and family, divorce should be taken into consideration if it is affecting the family specially the kids. If the spouses are constantly having bad days than good days and are together just for the kids, then, the marriage will not succeed and divorce may be the best option. Maria has come across couples where being divorced actually helped the relationship within the spouses and although no kid wants to see their parents separated, they are a better family after divorce. She also stated that remarriage should never be taken lightly especially if children are involved. With cohabitation, Maria feels that it is not for everyone. She a true believer in not cohabitating before marriage only because she was brought up this way. She believes marriages should be an adventure. Although if couples cohabitate with their partner, marriage may never come. She said like the saying goes “why buy the cow if you get the milk for free”. However, Maria also feels that some couples should do it if they are compatible with their partner. However, it takes the fun of the whole marriage process. In the third question, Maria feels that that married parenthood shows the child the “norm” of what life should be. Which is, get married and then have children. Maria stated that depending on the couple married parenthood may have a stronger bond because no matter what the parents must work hard to teach, discipline, and guide the children because it’s not easy to just walk away. Being that she is catholic, it teaches children that they must be before they have children. Although, she believes in being married when it comes to parenthood, unmarried parenthood doesn’t mean parents are not good parents. Maria feel couples are more apt to find it easier to