Cross cultural understanding: a handbook to understand others’ cultures

2.
 
Single parent
The single parent family in the United States is 
increasing markedly. According to U.S census 
information, the number of families headed by a single 
parent has more than doubled in the past 20 years. Most 
single-parent households are headed by women. Most of 
these women were once married, although an increasing 
number of American women are deliberately having 
children with no intention of having husband.

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122 | Cross Cultural Understanding 
D.
 
Sexual Revolution 
In last 30 years, there has been a sexual revolution point 
of number of changes: 
-
People, particularly younger ones, feel freer than they 
once did to talk about sex-related subject, such as human 
sex organ, menstruation, and other things. It‘s also 
portrayed in many videos, songs, movies, and literature.
-
More young people engage in premarital intercourse. 
-
Homosexuals (gay & lesbian) have become much less 
reluctant than they used to be o be openly acknowledge 
their sexual orientation. In some communities there has 
been legislation to protect homosexuals from 
discrimination in housing and jobs. The American belief 
in individualism is reflected in legal efforts to protect a 
group of people whose behavior may not be approved, but 
considered to have a right to behave as they wish.
Despite all of the changes mentioned above, not 
everything has changed. Foreign visitors will still find 
individuals and communities where traditional ideas about 
male-female relationship hold sway. There are still many 
men and women who believe in premarital chastity, marital 
fidelity, modesty about sexual functions, non working wives, 
and male as a breadwinner.

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Cross Cultural Understanding | 123 
EXERCISE 
1.
What is women liberation? 
2.
In your opinion what causes sexual revolution? 
3.
What are the American man and women stereotypes? 
4.
How can you relate the technology development with 
sexual revolution? 
5.
Relate the phenomenon of single parent and women 
liberation 
 

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Cross Cultural Understanding | 125