This essay will identify how modern society is changing with respect to family structure, particularly marriage, cohabitation, stepfamilies, and single parenthood, explaining how this can or not have an impact on parental practices. in turn influencing the fate of children and the formation of their identity. He will also discuss the government's role in supporting families and protecting children in light of current policies and procedures. It is also necessary to take into account the current perception of childhood and the growing role that the media play in the representation of childhood delinquency. Almost every minute, every hour of every day of the year, a baby is born in Britain (Thomas, B and Dorling, D 2007). For young children, initial awareness of behavior and morals is learned in the home they are born into, children watch, learn and can imitate the conduct of others. Adults' perceptions of good behavior will be strongly influenced by their own cultural, religious, social and moral beliefs (Dowling 2005). However, the primary role of any parent is to contribute to their child's social development, which is supported by teaching social rules and behavioral expectations. (McCartney & Phillips 2008) Modernity is linked to the rise of capitalism, a society that encourages change and diversity. (Haralambos et al 2004) The 1960s and 1970s were a turning point throughout Western Europe and changing perceptions of societal norms, attitudes towards family structures in relation to childbearing, cohabitation through marriage and divorce have changed. (Hunt 2009) In today's society there are many variations of family units, there are single parents, stepfamilies, mixed families, cohabiting unmarried parents, married parents and same parents. sex. Lots of differences... middle of document......://www.esrcsocietytoday.ac.uk/ESRCInfoCentre/PO/releases/2004/june/stepfamiliesHaralambos, M Holborn, M Heald, R. (2004) Haralambos and Holborn: Themes and Perspectives in SociologyHunt, S A. (2009) Family Trends: British Families Since the 1950s, Suffolk: The Lavenham Press LtdHill, M Tisdall, K. (1997) Children and Society, Essex: Addison Wesley Longman LtdLee , N. (2001) Childhood and Society: Growing Up in an Age of Uncertainty, Buckingham: Open University PressMcCartney, K. Phillips, D (2008) Early Childhood Development, Oxford: Blackwell PublishingStones, C. (1994) Focus on families: Family centers in action, Hampshire: The MacMillan PressThomas, B Dorling, D (2007) Identity in Britain: A Cradle to Grave Atlas, Bristol: The Policy PressWyness, M. (2006) Childhood and society: an introduction to sociology of childhood, Hampshire: Palgrave MacMillan