Rupert B. Vance

Regional Family Patterns: The Southern Family

The particular emphasis on family solidarity characteristic of the South had its origin in the traditional values of an agrarian ruling class. The changing structure of southern society has not undermined the importance of the family, but the institution has become more limited in function, less authoritarian in character, and less romantic in sentiments. The trend toward more democratic roles in all classes makes the institution more like the family elsewhere. This has been accompanied by lowered fertility and lessened stability.