The family is the nucleus of American life. Dr. Mark Hutter, professor of sociology at Rowan University, in Glassboro, New Jersey, has researched family and urban life extensively, with particular emphasis on the changing family, immigrant and ethnic households, the family and the community and the social psychology of city life. Recently, he discussed his findings.

Q: Putting aside, for the moment, the dramatic increase in dual-earner households, what is the most significant change in family dynamics over the past two decades?

A: There are several. One is the aging of the population, causing a shift from a three- to four-generation family. When I think of this unit -- with great-grandparents, grandparents, parents and their children -- I have specific concern and interest in the relationships that exist between the oldest generation and their children -- who, themselves, may be grandparents. In particular, often daughters not only have to take care of their children and grandchildren, but their parents as well. The second development to note is the fact that young people are postponing both marrying and having children. Much of this reflects economic changes and economic opportunities faced by young people, for whom marriage is not their only option as adults. Educational and career possibilities and a greater range of non-family life options are on hand for them.

Q: If the family is still vital, why must family units be scattered nationwide?

A: Economic and social factors account for this change. Contemporary society often demands a highly mobile group of workers who'll go where the jobs are. This desire to maximize economic opportunities often causes the breakdown of longstanding patterns of kinship interaction. In addition, the greater concern for individual advancement often takes precedence over interest in extended family ties and obligations.

Q: If we speak about family and community, do you feel communities are doing enough to support and promote family life?

A: The trend seems to reflect a greater emphasis on the withdrawal of individuals and the nuclear family from community involvement. You could say that it's best symbolized by the shift from living in houses with front porches to living in houses with enclosed backyards.

Q: Talk for a moment about single parents in the United States.

A: There are two major groups. One is composed of formerly married people whose single-parent household is a consequence of divorce or separation. The second group consists of never-married parents, a large segment of which consists of single teenage or young adult women, many from the lower part of the economic scale. In each case, the success of the single-parent household depends on the nature of the ties between the parent and child, or children, and often upon the degree of participation of grandparents or other relatives in raising these youngsters. In addition, community and governmental agencies -- including day care centers -- can have an impact on the single-parent family situation.

Q: Do you believe that children raised in single-parent households lack any psychological or emotional support?

A: I don't think so -- provided that children who grow up in single-parent homes receive the support, nurturing and guidance of their parents, extended family and local social institutions. Often we presume, incorrectly, that the only person raising that child is a single parent living in isolation. That doesn't usually happen.

Q: Is there a correlation between the strength of a family and its economic status?

A: Money can alleviate many of the stresses of everyday family life, to be sure. But it's not the panacea for shaping a successful family. The process must involve nurturing and support, as well as control and guidance of children. Affluent parents who are neglectful cannot overcome that neglect of their children with money.

Q: What overriding guiding principles do you find in successful families -- that is, the ones that produce emotionally mature, well-adjusted young adults and emotionally satisfied parents?

A:Successful parents and successful children often result from an understanding of the different positions and perspectives they maintain. Parents and children must be sensitive to each other's respective concerns. Here, too, an atmosphere of understanding and sharing must prevail. Family members must accept the fact that life extends beyond the family for each of its members. This outside, or other life must also be taken into consideration as one deals with another.

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Mark Hutter is the author of The Changing Family and The Family Experience. This conversation was abridged from an online discussion at abcnews.com.

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