Families have a unique position of having no choice in where they are placed. The type of configuration IS a determinant of life, but NOT happiness. Resources do affect what a family possesses, then the struggle of competition increases the stress level of the unit. Keeping up with the Jones' infects and destroys family heads and the entire family will suffer.
As far as what the postmodern family deals with a woman "can contribute outstandingly to making a home happy, secure, and functional. "'It takes a hundred men to make an encampment, but one woman can make a home,"'said a 19th century politician.
The temptation to buy things you cannot afford, getting into debt, has led many families into shipwreck. It may be good for family unity if all pool their funds for a joint undertaking a refreshing journey,or some useful and enjoyable equipment for the home" (Awake! 5/98).
Living up to a standard that idealizes materialism leaves little time to care for the intricate details that mesh a family unit together. My family's experience is not typical, but it works. I support and try to understand the emotional makeup of my wife and the limitations of myself, it is a work in progress. But money has it's place and it not what is most important. Anyway, that's my take on it; keeping a heads-up on the stress level is important, most importantly though, is keeping a fluid and consistent element of love in all our dealings.