Introduction to the Sociology of Family Cherlin states that public goods are things that people may enjoy without their contribution in the production process or acquisition (Cherlin, 2013a). According to him, families are public goods because they fit the definition. Some members enjoy them without having to pay. Private goods are those that the owners can exercise their private rights. Therefore, families also fit the above definition according to Cherlin (2013a). Methods of data collection during research on families include surveys and observational studies (Cherlin, 2013a). Surveys are sometimes involving and expensive to carry out. On the other hand, a disadvantage of observational studies is the bias that the researcher may have. The 1950s were anomaly for demographic trend in that the traditional choices of occupation, marriage, and children were constrained, with the series of traditional family roles being questioned (Cherlin, 2013a). According to Cherlin, the trend after the 1800 was earlier marriages, fewer divorces that had a high fertility rate, with the 20 th century having later marriage, increased cases of divorce, and single parenthood (Cherlin, 2013a). A History of Family Functions for the traditional families according to Cherlin include emotional support for the adults, socialization for children, and childbearing (Cherlin, 2013b). The Hispanics, Black Americans, and the American Indians are some of the minority groups in the US. The family pattern for the Blacks includes high fertility rates compared to the average Americans, with the Indians and the Hispanics also displaying the same (Cherlin, 2013b). They also have lower divorce rates and single parenthood. The types of marriages that exist in the US are as a result of the different cultures. They include monogamous, polygamous, open marriages, and interracial marriages (Cherlin, 2013b). Cancian’ data collection methods were observational and from secondary sources (Cherlin, 2013b). Traditionally, ties that bound people in marriage and love were different from the current day. Emotional intimacy, love, and personal choice are the main reasons for marriage. People are allowed to make their own choices when entering a union according to Coontz (Cherlin, 2013b). The industrial revolution brought about changes in family functions and ideologies. Interracial marriages became common with the family transforming into a tool for comfort and love. The fertility also improved with more children per marriage and restrictions being made to govern marriage. Coupling Charlin states that sexual identities are new and that they are determined by the society (Cherlin, 2013b). This means that the various roles of the individual determine their sexual identity in a given society, with this being different from the traditional outlook on the sexual identity. Sexual activity outside marriage has largely been accepted in many societies today, with some of the factors contributing to the change in opinion being the societal view of marriage. More people are increasingly losing the original intention of marriage, with the marriage laws being negligent on the same. There is a higher likelihood of younger women who bear children to have