In a provocative article published in 2004, Sara McLanahan described the diverging destinies of American families and children. She noted that women were following two trajectories, one involving delays in childrearing and increases in employment, and the other involving high levels of divorce and non-marital childbearing. Changes in family demographics were exacerbating social class disparities in children’s access to resources.
The diverging destinies of children have been unfolding within the context of three decades of growing economic inequality in the U.S. Penn State’s 21st annual Symposium on Family Issues, “Diverging Destinies: Families in an Era of Increasing Inequality,” will address how children, young adults, parents, and families are faring in an era of increasing social inequality. The Symposium will be held October 7-8, 2013 on the University Park, PA campus. To see the complete program and to register, visit http://www.pop.psu.edu/events/2013/nsfi/event-details/view