Weakening of the Family as the Causes for Some of the Problems that American (Essay Sample)

Weakening of the Family as the Causes for Some of the Problems that American Society Faces Today
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Weakening of the Family as the Causes for Some of the Problems that American Society Faces Today
The weakening of families is a major cause of the American society challenges today. There have been significant changes in families since 1960. There has been a rise in divorce and single parenthood incidences in the recent past. By 1960, 72% of American adults over 18 years were married, 15% were never married while 5% were divorced. However by the year 2008, it was only 52% who were married, 27% were never married while 14% divorced. Concurrently, U.S has the highest rate of divorce, it has an average of 3.1 divorces per 1000 adults compared to the EU average of 2.1 per 1000 adults in mid-2000 (Pew Research Center, 2010 p.1). The high level of divorce recorded in recent past is attributed to lower level of education of women divorced, at least 25 percent of mothers with no college diplomas said that they have never been married, college educated women are less likely to be divorced. When looked at economic perspective, reduced men earning and increased women earnings have been found to have accelerated the rates of divorce (Ellwood & Jencks, 2002 ).
Another change is out of wedlock child bearing. In 1990, nearly 1 out of 3 children were born by unmarred couple (Ellwood & Jencks, 2002 ). Nearly half of black-American children are born out of wedlock. Since the year 1960s, the American society has changed to be more inclusive, women are currently financially stable and independent, that has resulted into increase tension in the family and lack of concern for others welfare hence women feel that they can raise the children they sire out of wedlock without having married (Fuchsman, 2011).
There is also the rise in dual careers. The two-income sources versus marriage. In the years 2010, many American women were employed compared to men. This mean most husbands are the one involved in child bearing, however, the bulk of much domestic work and parenting still fall on the women which pose a tricky balancing process between giving care demand, giving their husband companionship and employment responsibilities. This can become a huge burden and women can be overworked which by the end of the day there is no coming home (Castelloe, 2011).
Generally, The family has weakened due to various factors which are characterized by cultural, legal and economic transformations. There is increased expectation of intimacy; alternative social approval to marriage; improved economic independence of of women; the reforms in divorce laws; the rise in a better social insurance program making people less dependent on families and; less pressure from friends, business, churches, government and professional body to stay in marriage.
The family is becoming weaker
I strongly agree that the families have transformed into weak institutions. There is increasing disintegration of the then stable, families in the society can be supported with the following facts: Between 1970 to1995, the number of married couples declined by one third while the single-parent family almost doubled. In 1960, at least 243,000 children were staying with their single parents who were never married by then but by the year 1993, the number rose to 6.3 million. (Witham,1996 pp.1 cited by Colvin, undated). Out of 73,001,000 children in the USA, only 49,903,000 are living together with both parents, 31.6% are living with a single parent (U.S. Census Bureau, 2003). Every year at least 1.2 million babies are born to unmarried parents (U.S. Census Bureau, 1998). Many American women are employed compared to men (Castelloe, 2011) this has improved economic independence of women hence they see no need of being being married.
Concurrently, the weakness of the family has been the cause of most problems America society faces. Divorce cause child depression. 75% of parents in adolescent stage at chemical and substance abuse rehabilitation centers are from single-parent families. 63% of children committing suicide are from single parent ( Center for Disease Control, Atlanta, GA, undated, cited by Colvin, undated,). 70% of teenage pregnancies are children of single parents (Committee for Economic Development,1987 ). 75% of youths who are juveniles and are found in character correction facilities are children of single-parents (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 1988, cited by Colvin, undated ). Children of divorced parents are five times more likely to be suspended from school, three times more likely to be in need of psychological counseling, two time likely to repeat a class, are always absent from school, often late to school and show more health problems (Brody, 1994).
Proposals to strengthen the families
There should be a principle of commitment in marriage. These will ensure that the number of divorce cases have reduced drastically. Its vital presence is evident with catastrophic impact of its absence. There is need for strong neighborliness among families this can be achieved by families showing friendship and corporation among themselves.
There is need for couples to distinguish between a cool parent and a friend. Parents should enhance children ability to relate to other children. It is good to socialize and take you children in social places however, parents should not encourage children to drink, take drugs. They should be restrained from getting involved in bad behaviors like substance abuse and sexual intercourse they should be made aware...