Final answer:
Tracing the pattern of family problems involves paying attention to the evolving U.S. family structure, societal changes, and the impact of different family dynamics. Sociologists consider the wide array of modern family types and the social context that affects family roles and responsibilities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Tracing the pattern of family problems means paying attention to the changes in the U.S. family structure, recognizing variations in family life, and understanding the prevalence of single parents, cohabitation, same-sex couples, and unmarried individuals.
As the structure of family changes over time, so do the challenges families face. Events like divorce and remarriage present new difficulties for families and individuals. Additionally, other long-standing domestic issues such as abuse continue to strain the health and stability of today's families. This scenario may be complicated, but it is representative of the many types of families in today's society.
One might consider the different patterns of family responsibilities as a form of discrimination. However, this situation is primarily rooted in America's social patterns of discrimination, involving the roles that fathers and mothers play in child-rearing, rather than discrimination by employers in hiring and salary decisions.
When sociologists study family patterns, they are looking at the social impact of changing family structures and how these structures reflect broader societal trends.
While traditional definitions of family might focus on blood relations and related patterns over several years, it excludes individuals such as cohabitating unmarried couples. Legality aside, sociologists would argue that the general concept of family is more diverse and less structured than in years past, making room for what works for its individual members.