Final answer:
The recent societal change in parenting and the transition to parenthood is b) Delayed marriage and childbearing, influenced by economic, professional, and societal shifts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Which of the following accurately states a recent societal change in parenting and the transition to parenthood? Reflecting on societal shifts in family structures and the upbringing of children, the correct answer is b) Delayed marriage and childbearing. This change is supported by the observed increase in the median age of first marriage for both men and women. Such delays are often attributed to various factors, including the large-scale entry of women into the workforce, the extreme costs associated with raising a child, and the preference of many individuals to focus on their professional goals before starting a family. Moreover, these societal changes have also led to more diverse family structures, including an increase in single-parent households and cohabitating couples, as well as households with extended family members.