Monday, November 22, 2010

4 in 10

The Pew Research Center recently released research that indicates we have a new definition for family in the United States. Family in the past has consisted of a marriage between man and woman. The new research shows that family no longer consist of a marriage. That same research suggest that 40% of Americans now see marriage as outdated, obsolete, no longer needed, etc.

1 in 3 American children is living with a parent who is divorced, separated or never married. Many Americans are now accepting of the view that marriage is not required to have a family. The notion of American family is changing.

29% of children under the age of 18 live with a parent or parents who are unwed or no longer married. In 1960 the number was less than 4%.

In September the U.S. Census Bureau released some preliminary data and the data showed marriages hit an all-time low of 52% for adults 18 and over.

One researcher stated that "Now there are several ways to have a successful family life, and more people accept them." These changing views of family life are being driven by young adults 18 - 29. It appears young adults have a more liberal attitude with regards to spousal roles and living together before marriage. They fully support the idea of a trial marriage in the form of living together for a period of time.

Moral compass appears to be off and we stray further off course as we continue to wonder what happened to American society as we once knew it. Rural values are lost as the big cities continue to expand their reach into rural lands. Kind of reminds me of the 'hippie' days. What happened to Ward and June Cleaver?

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