Final answer:
The term parenting, popularized in the 1970s, signified changing roles in child-rearing, with a surge in advice to parents and a focus on socialization, leading to broader definitions of 'parent' and observation of diverse family structures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term parenting became popular in the 1970s, signifying an era in which the roles and expectations of those raising children began to change. Books and magazines offering advice to parents proliferated, reflecting a shift in societal views on child-rearing. This period also saw an increased emphasis on the practice of socialization, acknowledging parents' roles in preparing children for the trials of the contemporary world.
The concept of 'maternal feminism' suggested that women could extend their nurturing qualities beyond the home into society, influencing broader cultural values. Moreover, the definition of what constitutes a 'parent' became more inclusive, evolving to encompass adoptive parents, step-parents, and guardians, reflecting the changing structure of modern families.
Despite these evolutions, the family remained the primary agent of socialization, teaching children manners, civility, and the social and cultural norms of their community. However, the responsibility of parenting also became increasingly shared among extended family members, such as grandparents and even single parents, a trend that continues in varying forms today.