Abstract:
This study was designed to explore the concept of "The American family." Data collection included interviewing 11 members of my family and analyzing secondary sources related to the American family. I organized this qualitative data by using the Pedigree Ancestor Index (Dollarhide, 1991) and by identifying themes that emerged from the interviews. Creating a genealogy of my family allowed me to compare the characteristics of my family with what the literature defined as "The American family." This comparison led to the following findings:My ancestors came to the United States in order to gain land and religious freedom.The American family is changing but is still vigorous and thriving.3.) My family follows the typical patterns of an American family.
