Father Knows Best Summary

Father Knows Best is a TV series that ran from 1954 to 1963. The TV show presented five cast members that were depicted as a family. Robert Young (Jim Anderson) was the star of the show. Anderson has been depicted as a wise family man while Margaret has been portrayed as being a sensible and patient wife. Their children Betty, Kathy and Bud usually turned to their father in case they needed advice on anything. After all, “Father Knows Best”. The TV show acted as a representation of the American family life during the 1950s. The TV show was considered a hit during its time given the letters of protest from fans when the news hit that the show’s contract was not going to be extended few weeks after it had begun. The fans reiterated that it was among the few shows that could be watched by the whole family. Television columnists also took up the crusade by urging the audience to write to the CBS network president. The show even went ahead to win the Sylvania award for “outstanding family entertainment” during the very same year it premiered.

Episodes

Father Knows Best Season 01 Episode 05

The father (Anderson) and mother (Margaret) are the figures of authority. This has been evidenced when Bud needs to ask his father for permission before going out with his friends (which he is not granted). Gender roles are quite evident as Anderson is responsible with undertaking “manly” errands like painting while Margaret is responsible for taking care of the house chores. The children come out as being obedient to authority since they do not indulge in activities that the parents prohibit. However, this aspect drives Bud into making the decision of moving out so that he can live his own life. Margaret comes out as the voice of reason as he tries to ask his husband not to let him leave. This episode works to pass the message that effective communication is vital for a family to remain united; something that is well applicable to American families.

Married with Children Season 6 Episode 3

With regards to gender roles, Al Bundy (father) comes out as being the family’s breadwinner. Peggy (mother) on the other hand is a housewife; who seems lazy in a way and likes to be at the center of attention. The mother is more of the figure of authority as she summons all the family members to baby meetings. However, the authority of the parents on the children is not quite vivid. The manners of the children have deteriorated as they can speak of anything around their parents regardless of how vulgar it might be. Among the messages that can be derived from this episode is how parents are not working to be the best role models to their children.

Modern Family Season 7 Episode 22

This TV show revolves around three different families that are related in one way or another. In this episode, the gender roles are not clear. However, it is apparent that the parents are working while the children are schooling. The parents come out as the figures of authority since they have to approve some of the things being done by their children. The children’s manners are wanting in a way since the children talk with their parents as if they are within the same age bracket. The message that this episode tries to send is that families usually encounter unique trials and tribulations and each family has its own way of dealing with them.

Patterns of Family Structure

Watching these episodes brings some insight into the changing structures of the family. Some decades ago, like in the Father Knows Best, families seemed to be simple. There was more of the presence of the father, mother and children. As time has passed by, this seems to change. Modern Family TV show indicates that other people get to be involved more with the family and this complicates the family’s dynamics as there are more external factors involved. As a result, families in the past were more stable than they are at the moment.

Contrasting the TV Shows

These episodes also work to show how gender roles are changing in families. In Father Knows Best and Married with Children, the father is the sole breadwinner while mothers are involved with taking care of the home. These roles have changed in Modern Family as mothers have also become bread winners. The interaction of the children and parents has also changed. Despite the parents being the figure of authority throughout, there is a change to some degree. Father Knows Best portrays children as being obedient to their parents. Married with Children also shows aspects of obedience though with some notable resistance. Modern Family on the other hand shows how children are now arguing with their parents instead of following orders that are being given. The content that is being discussed in these TV shows also seems to contrast. Father Knows Best shows aspects of conservatism while that cannot be said for the other shows as the parents are discussing almost any topic with their children.

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