History

In the Beginning

In the 1950's, television, like the attitudes of many people in the United States, was very conservative. The typical family consisted of two parents- one male and one female, often two children, and the entire family being white.  The woman was the housewife, the man was the breadwinner- there was little to no diversity, and America was ok with this. 
                 

        Leave it to Beaver                             Father Knows Best                              I Love Lucy
              1957-1963                                          1954-1963                                      1951-1957

Times are Changing

Coming in to the 1960's, and moving through the early 1990's, television began to show more diversity, though not really within the families themselves.  There was in increase in shows centered around African American families, gay characters began to emerge, and a few interracial families became present in the media.  Shows like the Brady Bunch portrayed two single parents coming together to form a family.  While this recognized the diversity in American families, it still gave the message that a 'complete' family is more successful and optimal than life as a single parent. 

               

        Different Strokes                               The Cosby Show                               The Brady Bunch

             1978-1986                                          1984-1992                                          1969-1974

Modern Times

With the new millennium came increased diversity in American television.  Now, interracial families are seen almost as normal, single parents are frequently portrayed as successful, and gay families are materializing.  We are seeing in increased acceptance of diversity in families, not only via the media, but also in everyday life and politics.  While some subjects are still very hot topics for debate, the evolution of the American family is clear.

                                      

                                                                  Modern Family

                                                                   2009-Present

                                                          

                         Gilmore Girls                                                              Parenthood

                          2000-2007                                                                2010-Present