The Fall of the Family

Reversing “The Fall of the Family”

Until now, we have introduced, described, dived into, and explored tangents surrounding what has been coined as The Fall of the Family. This phenomenon, which runs rampant in our culture, is the deconstruction of the nuclear family in tandem with increasing single-parent homes. Though children can undoubtedly find success from any of the growingly diverse family settings, it is proven that single-parents and those in co-habiting households underperform in comparison to traditional environments. Today, we will explore two possible solutions to this civic issue.

First, it is most important to educate kids about this subject. Many schools, private and public, push for sex-education curriculums, aimed at teaching kids the basics. While this is all well and good at its proper stage of life, schools never teach about family-life, families, and the various situations that can arise. I find it hard to imagine how one can have a discussion about safe sex without talking about its potential to still bear life and how to deal with such a scenario. If kids are taught how to have sex but have no understanding that it can lead to difficult situations, especially early on in life, then what is the point? Thus, it is of utmost importance to educate kids in high school about how choices can affect their lives and how difficult the outcomes of their decision-making can be. I have heard countless times that graduating high school and waiting to have kids until after marriage or at least within a serious relationship, are two of the best ways to avoid poverty. Though everyone will not agree with this, I continue to believe that it is both true and worthy for every student to learn about.

A second possible solution to this issue is to ban or at least strongly regulate pornographic material. Unfortunately, kids are exposed to such content at younger and younger ages, and the only way to prevent it at this point is to create harsh restrictions or simply ban it entirely. While this may seem like a stretch, it is both scientifically proven and agreed upon by most that the viewing of pornography and associated media and images destroy the brain’s reward system, especially when it comes to relationships. So, we are not only failing to educate kids on the different family dynamics and the consequences of poor decisions on that basis, but also allowing kids to have their relational reward system ruined at ridiculously young ages. The pornography industry is corrupt to begin with, but it is now creating problems for children that will negatively influence their relationships, future children, and, in some instances, the remainder of their lives. With that said, even if it is not a ban, something must be done.

I hope that this blog has at least accomplished one of three things for all who have been reading it: taught you something, made you view this issue in a more serious manner, and/or simply entertained you. I appreciate any comments, suggestions, or feedback; everything is welcome. It has been rewarding to write about this issue, as my own preconceptions and beliefs have been proven wrong or challenged by articles and research that I have encountered, which is great; that is definitely a purpose of this blog. Anyways, thanks for those who read this blog–even if it was once–this semester. It has been a pleasure. Goodbye!

Furthering the Conversation on Relationship Absences

In this week’s post, inspired by a comment on the previous post, we will discuss how other parental absences influence a child’s development and whether or not those parental cavities can be effectively filled.

Since last week’s post covered fatherlessness, we’ll discuss its natural conjugate, motherlessness first.

Firstly, it is important to mention that there are far less single father’s than there are single mothers in the US (14.84 million to 6 million) (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020). This is part of why I’ve chosen to address fatherlessness first, as it is the more pressing of the single-parents dynamics.

In general, single-father households perform similarly with respect to children’s general well-being (Vault). That being said, in specific aspects of life, each has strengths and weaknesses. For example, single father households generally have a higher income, and their children perform better academically. On the other hand, single mothers’ children tend to have more accessible healthcare and available resources (Vault).

 

Having explored the impacts of single-parent families, the next piece of the puzzle is addressing non-single parent cases, where the parents are in a same-sex relationship. Obviously, same-sex couples are unable to produce biological offspring as that requires two opposite sex humans. However, there are a growing number of instances where same-sex couples decide to adopt, foster, or had kids with a previous partner prior to their new relationship. Thus, it will be interesting to see what these family dynamics look like in comparison to the previous two discussed, as well as the two-parent traditional case.

Briefly, before discussing the research, I will mention that the presence of lesbian and gay couples have a positive effect in that they are more likely to adopt than heterosexual couples. That being said, this pro is on beneficial if the number of same-sex couples remain in moderate numbers.

Now, when it comes to truly researching the issue, it is very difficult to find agreement among various sources. However, what I have retrieved is that same-sex couples, for the most part, fare similarly to that of heterosexual couples. The caveat to this is that every single article discusses some form of bias or controversy over how the research was conducted, regardless of the what the conclusion actually said. However, there a couple of anecdotes worth mentioning regardless. First, the vast majority of same-sex couples’ children were raised by someone else first, which creates an adjustment for the child as well as the parent. Second, many of those children experienced parental divorce or another issue. So, in summary, there is not a clear-cut answer. As it is becoming more prevalent, I’m sure more concrete research will be conducted. I hope that the bits and pieces I’ve found can at least create a picture frame, even if it lacks the painting contained within it.

With that, we reach the end of this week’s post. For the final post of the semester, I plan on discussing what we can do about the civic issue of single parenthood that is plaguing the United States. See you next time, thanks!

 

Works Cited

1. Census.gov. “Historical Living Arrangements of Children,” November 21, 2023. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/families/children.html

2. Vault, Tag. “Single Moms Vs. Single Dads (Statistics, Effects on Child) (Analysis).” TagVault.org, 15 Nov. 2023, tagvault.org/blog/single-moms-vs-single-dads.

Fatherlessness – Background and Influence

Welcome back! I hope you have returned with curiosity after a few weeks break since the most recent post. Today, we’ll explore and discuss a more detailed, specific issue within the theme of family in the United States: fatherlessness.

Over the past few centuries, the role of the father in a family has changed, been debated, and experienced various influences, from times of war to societal paradigm shifts. Regardless, the majority opinion that a father figure is important and that the lack of one is detrimental remains unchanged. In fact, in 2017, the Centre for Social Justice found that 75% of the US public agreed that a father’s absence was a serious problem. But why? It may have something to do with the fact that 21% of children live without a father today in contrast to only 8% in 1960 (Edwards).

So many people acknowledge fatherlessness as an issue, but what does the absence of a father truly mean? How does a father’s absence influence family dynamics, and would its growth pose more threat to society?

It is objective that a relationship free of conflict between two parents leads to a better environment for their children during their development. When a father leaves, there is an initial decrease in that well-being, which can be partially mended if the father remains in contact with those children (Edwards). In 2014, an extensive dive exploring the correlation between fatherly absence and long/short term influences on children made several discoveries. It “documented a negative association between living apart from a biological father and multiple domains of offspring well-being, including education, mental health, family relationships, and labor market outcomes” (McLanahan, et. al). In the same paper, the three authors also pointed out that demographics had additional influence on the magnitude with which an absent father impacted these categories. Finally, they discussed how fatherlessness can be intergenerational, causing ripples across a family that can last decades, if not centuries (McLanahan, et. al). If you get the chance, the article is worth reading, simply to gain basic knowledge of this issue but also the complications associated with its research.

 

More traditionally, fathers play the role of instilling discipline within the family, and it has been shown that fatherlessness is linked to more aggressive-oriented children that struggle to handle emotions. There are many studies on this topic I recommend reading on your own time (I linked one for you).

We’ve identified two truths thus far. 1: many see fatherlessness as a major issue, and 2: that it is a major issue and generally spells significant problems for children in the long and short term. The next logical step is to answer the question “how do we resolve this?” This is a dense question with myriad routes in conjuring an answer. Thus, I will leave it for next time, unless you wish for me to discuss another factor within the umbrella that is “the fall of the family.” Let me know! See you next time.

Works Cited

1. Tarrant, Anna, and Michael Ward. “The Myth of the Fatherless Society.” The Conversation, theconversation.com/the-myth-of-the-fatherless-society-73166.

2. Edwards, Blake. “The Effect of Absent on Fathering on Children’s Well-Being.” Psychology Today, The Effects of Absent Fathering on Children’s Well-Being | Psychology Today

3. McLanahan, Sarah, et. al. “The Causal Effect of Father Absence.” 1 July 2014. The Causal Effects of Father Absence – PMC (nih.gov)

How Does Single Parenthood Effect Children Exposed to It?

Hello all! Last week we discussed the rise of cohabitation in the United States and how it has led to more fragile relationships, higher rates of repartnering, and more divorce, especially with children involved. Today, I aim to discover how those children, who gain single-parent exposure, are affected by the situation, if at all, and whether or not it could have long-term effects.

With lack of more recently published data and studies, many of which are currently being conducted, I’ll begin with the analysis of a completed study published in 2007. The study includes 971 participants who had data collected on an annual basis from birth to the age of 16, monitoring personal progression after that. Six-hundred children were never exposed to single-parenthood in those 16 years, 100 were for 1-3 years, another 100 were for 4-7, and the final 100 had an exposure of over 8 years. The results are noteworthy.

In the study, Dr. Fergusson, Dr. Boden, and Mr. Horwood found that those with more years of exposure became more likely to develop an anxiety disorder. In addition, those exposed to single parenthood saw higher substance dependence later in the life and more suicidal ideation on average. They were also twice as likely to participate in criminal activity, had lower chances of achieving a higher education, and were less financially stable later in life (Fergusson et al.). All of this was in comparison to the control group of children who lived in the same exact area but did not have exposure to single parenthood.

Though this study was conducted a few decades ago, it does a fantastic job of avoiding outlier data or bias in data based off of local opportunities or anything of the like. With limited time to discuss other studies and research, I’ll link a couple more I’ve looked at that explore the effects of single parenthood on children: Single-Parenthood and Neurocognitive Development & Increased Health Risks.

Having briefly looked at the many effects single parenthood has on children, it is evident that his increase in single parenthood could be dangerous–for the children, the parents, and society. Not only can single parenthood effect a child during development and raising, but it can lead to effects later in life that are directly linked to their childhood. None of this is the fault of the single parent, as it is financially and emotionally challenging. However, society’s acceptance of relationships and behavior (cohabitation for example) that lead to single parent situations is what is at fault. That being said, a big question is how to resolve such an issue. Does it start with government policies or is a new paradigm shift toward more stable family situations necessary? Do religion and faith contribute in any way? That is all to be explored in the future.

Regardless, I appreciate it if you’ve made it this far. Next time, I hope to look into the various single parent scenarios, namely fatherlessness, and explore why it is significantly more common than single fatherhood.

Sources

1. Fergusson, David M., et al. “Exposure to Single Parenthood in Childhood and Later Mental Health, Educational, Economic, and Criminal Behavior Outcomes.” Archives of General Psychiatry, vol. 1089, no. 9, 1 Sept. 2007, https://doi.org/10.1001/archpsyc.64.9.1089.

Understanding the Increase of Single Parenthood in the United States

In today’s iteration of The Fall of the Family, I plan to breakdown why single parenthood has increased in the United States, which will also explain why it shows no sign of slowing down. Let’s begin.

In 1968, approximately 9% of children under the age of 18 in the United States were living with unmarried parents (single mom, single dad, or cohabiting). In 2017, that number was 32%, and it continues to rise (Pew Research Center). An increase of such magnitude begs ones to ask the simple question “why?”

While there are a variety reasons this could have occurred, one that widely agreed upon is the uptick in cohabiting relationships and increased divorce rates (which share an unironic association) (Pew Research Center). In fact, 73% of young women interviewed between 2008 and 2018 claimed to have cohabited, where only 50% had been married (National Library of Medicine). This is shocking when cohabiting relationships are MORE likely to dissolve than result in marriage. To make matters worse, those involved in a dissolved cohabitation are more likely to experience failed cohabiting relationships in the future (serial cohabitation). This has led more people to go-unmarried, and those who do get married to have increased odds of divorce (Lemidi and Manning). Ok, well then why DO people prefer cohabiting over marriage? That’s a very interesting question. Finding the answer begins with observing cultural shifts toward non-institutional relationships, and the acceptance of cohabitation as a viable alternative to marriage (despite the latter being significantly more sustainable long-term). In the past, cohabitation was frowned upon, especially without intent of marriage, however, it has now become viewed as appropriate and even optimal. Modern feminism continues to encourage young women to become less committal and dependent on men.  On the other end, young men are being increasingly warned of the economic damages suffered after divorce, and the socioeconomic struggles marriage can often present, persuading them to pursue alternative relational options (Forbes).

These have both caused a greater desire to cohabit. Of course, the increasing inclusion and cheering on of non-heterosexual relationships adds an additional variable to the equation. Either way, increases in cohabitation stem from the drastic changes culture and society have endured in how men and women should acceptably participate in romantic relations. Now that we’ve understood why cohabitation is on the rise and that it is more likely to end in dissolution than in marriage, we can see why more children find themselves with a single parent today than did a few decades ago. More children (and also adults) in single-parent scenarios, means more people are placed in the generally unstable and psychologically challenging situation of that structure. That being said, I am curious to see the effects of single parenthood are on the children involved, and whether or not they could cause long-term effects.

Unfortunately, there is no room left to explore that today, and it will have to be covered next time. If you’ve stuck around this long, it is much appreciated, and I look forward to seeing you in a couple of weeks. Thank you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Introducing “The Fall of the Family”: What It’s About and My Planned Accomplishments

Hello everyone! In leu of a what could be a predictably boring blog, covering some civic issue many of you would grant merely a cursory read to, I have decided to dig deeper into the roots of civic issues facing the United States and offer an intriguing and unbeknownst topic: The Fall of the Family. My first objective with this blog is to open a trove of major statistical and paradigm shifts regarding marriage, fatherlessness, declining faith and its impact on the family, and more. I then plan to sift through and provide analysis on those facets, hoping to conclude, with determinacy, the role of the collapsed nuclear family in various issues facing the United States.

Before cracking down on a particular issue, I would first like to introduce the six types of family structures, according to BetterHelp, a social impact company who often do therapy work with members of families during various crises. On the list as the most common type in the United States, although on evident decline, is the nuclear or traditional family, consisting of two parents (generally married) who raise biological or adopted kids together. The second type is a single-parent family, which consists of a father or mother raising children on their own due to a divorce, never marrying, or being widowed. The third type, although less common in some cultures than others, consists of parents, single or married, living with their own parents (the grandparents of the children) to give extra care to the children. The fourth type, often left out but becoming more common by choice, are childless families, formed due to an inability to have children or a decision not to. The final two types are stepfamilies and grandparent families, which are merged families and grandparents raising their grandchildren respectively.

It is doubtful that each of these types will be referenced, but it gives you an idea of how diverse the family structures are in the United States and introduces each of them.

First Post Coming Soon…