Census - Canadian Families: Then and now

Summary

This video script discusses the evolution of the Canadian family unit over 50 years, from 1961 to 2011, as revealed by new census data. It highlights the shift from large families to smaller ones, the rise in divorce rates post-1968, and the emergence of common-law relationships. The script also introduces new terms like 'simple' and 'complex step families' to describe modern blended families. It concludes that while the structure of families has changed, it's not necessarily better or worse, just a reflection of societal evolution.

Takeaways

• 📸 Today's photo shoot represents the evolution of the Canadian family unit from 1961 to 2011, coinciding with the release of new census data by Statistics Canada.
• 🇨🇦 In 1961, Canada was led by Prime Minister John Diefenbaker and had a population of about 18 million, which has grown to approximately 33 million today.
• 🏒 The year 1961 was marked by the Chicago Blackhawks' Stanley Cup win and the early years of future hockey legends Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Large families were common in 1961, with about a third of households comprising five or more people, a figure that has dropped below 10 percent in the 21st century.
• 💑 In 1961, over 90 percent of families were headed by married couples, with common-law relationships becoming officially recognized only in 1981.
• 📉 The introduction of Canada's Divorce Act in 1968 led to a nearly six-fold increase in the divorce rate within a decade, reflecting a significant shift in marital dynamics.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦‍👦 For the first time, the census counted stepfamilies, acknowledging the diverse and complex structures of modern families.
• 🔍 Statistics Canada has introduced terms like 'simple step family' and 'complex step family' to categorize the various configurations of blended families.
• 🤔 The script suggests that while the structure of families has changed, it's not necessarily better or worse, but an evolution that mirrors societal changes.
• 📊 The comparison between 1961 and 2011 families highlights the transformation of the family unit, indicating that the concept of 'family' has broadened and diversified over time.

Q & A

What was the purpose of the photo shoot mentioned in the script?

The purpose of the photo shoot was to represent a 1961 Canadian family and a 2011 Canadian family to illustrate the changes in the family unit over the past 50 years.

Who was the Prime Minister of Canada in 1961?

John Diefenbaker was the Prime Minister of Canada in 1961.

What significant change in the healthcare system happened in Saskatchewan in 1961?

In 1961, Saskatchewan introduced the first public health system in Canada.

Which hockey team won the Stanley Cup in 1961, and who were some of its notable players?

The Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup in 1961, with notable players Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita.

How has the population of Canada changed from 1961 to the time of the script?

The population of Canada was about 18 million in 1961 and had grown to about 33 million by the time of the script.

What was the typical family size in Canadian households in 1961?

Large families were the norm in 1961, with about a third of private households having five or more people living together.

What was the percentage of families headed by married couples in 1961?

More than 90 percent of families were headed by married couples in 1961.

When was the concept of common-law couples first counted in the Canadian census?

The concept of common-law couples was first counted in the Canadian census in 1981.

How did the introduction of Canada's divorce act in 1968 affect the divorce rate?

The introduction of Canada's divorce act in 1968 led to a nearly six-fold increase in the divorce rate within a decade.

What types of stepfamilies are recognized by Statistics Canada?

Statistics Canada recognizes 'simple step families' and 'complex step families,' with further distinctions within complex step families based on the biological or adopted relationships of the children to the parents.

What is the difference between a simple step family and a complex step family according to Statistics Canada?

A simple step family is a couple family in which at least one child is the biological or adopted child of one parent. A complex step family can be further divided into three types based on the biological or adopted relationships of the children to both parents.

What conclusion does the script draw about the comparison between the family units of 1961 and 2011?

The script concludes that the family unit has evolved over time along with societal changes, and it does not claim one period as better or worse, just different.