The family in the western world has changed greatly during the last two centuries. Before

The family in the western world has changed greatly during the last two centuries.

Before the nineteenth century, families usually arranged marriages for their children. Young people did not decide whom they wanted to marry. After they got married, they usually had a lot of children. This family was an important part of the larger family of aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, and other relatives.

By the nineteenth century, most young people could choose whom they wanted to marry. Marriage joined two people and not two families. The reason two people got married was because they loved each other. It was not just because the families wanted them to marry.

At the same time, parents began to realize that they had to take very good care of their children. They had to take care of their health and try to give them an education. Before this, most people did not go to school. But now education was necessary for a good life.

The parents decided they should have fewer children so they could give each one a good life. They thought it was important for the mother to spend as much time as possible with her children. Before, the family all worked together at home. After 1800 more fathers worked outside the home for money. Mothers stayed home and had greater control of the home and children. Most homes didn't produce anything. The other relatives were still important, but they were separated more than before.

Family life is changing even faster in the United States today. There is almost one divorce for every two marriages. Over 10 percent of families have a mother and children but no father. At least half of all children will live part of the time with only one parent. Fifty percent of all mothers work outside the home.

Some social scientists think that soon there will be no family life in the United States as we know it today. They do not know how people will live. Others think society needs families, and we will always have them.

The family in the western world

A．has changed a lot during the last two centuries

B．hasn't changed at all during the last two centuries

C．has changed a little during the last two centuries

D．has become bigger and bigger