The Family as a Public and Private Institution: An Historical Perspective.

This article presents a study which discusses various issues related to how the modern American family differs from its historical predecessors. It makes specific reference to a distinction between the public and private character of the institution of family. The development of the concept of private family is a modern phenomenon which has taken place in the 20th century. The separation of work and family activities is at the root of this development. A family is said to bear a public character if it is a common practice here to get family activities done outside the confines of the domestic establishment.