How Changes to Marriage and Family will Change the American Society

How Changes to Marriage and Family will Change the American Society
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Preliminary thesis: This paper focuses at the basis of the changes in marriage and family, and how they will change the American society.
Outline
Issue Summary
Introduction – Brief overview of the topic.
Causes of changes in the family and marriage – group differences, income, shift of roles
The effects of the changes to the American Society – rise in divorce issues, optional childbearing, impacts on children, the rise of cohabitation
Conclusion - thesis, summary and recommendations.
Issue Summary
In the early 1920s, the ideal of the family was companion marriage. Marriage was viewed as a holy entity that was entitled to respect and a constant aspiration of enhancing unity. A family was considered as a support system that composed of two individuals that are devoted towards the provision of stability and care for their offspring. It was a mutual entity that supported growth and identity (Wiseman, 2008). However, since the 1960s, the family has experienced a shift from marriage to enhanced freedom, self-aspiration, and egalitarian relationships. Divorces have risen exponentially, leading to the shift in the family equilibrium. This paper researches the reasons behind the changes in marriage and family, and how they will change the American society.
Introduction
The 21st century marriage and family have obtained a drastic deviation from the traditional equation of marriage. Marriage was meant to be a precious occasion that marked the graduation from one stage of life to another. However, the current American society has evolved to become more self-interested, and less committed towards establishing a family. The traditional family morals are deviating towards self-satisfaction and egalitarian relationships. This paper studies the root of the changes in marriage and family, and how they will change the American society.
Causes of the Changes in Family and Marriage
First of all, the group differences have been greatly instrumental in the changes in the family and marriage structure. Groups such as the wealthy and the underprivileged have given marriage a different meaning. Most people fail to appreciate marriage because of low income. They fear the commitment of supporting a family because of a low income. The high-income earning individuals have dwelt so much into the creation of profits, and hence neglecting the obligation of marriage (Angier, 2013). Change in the society has been appreciated by the young people compared to the old people. The young people have incorporated different habits such as gays, cohabiting, the hookup culture, and the egalitarian relationships compared to the old. These group differences have greatly affected the traditional definitions of family. Therefore, there has been a lack of continuity in marriage, thus greatly affecting the family (Donovan, 2011).
Another factor contributing to the change in marriage and family is the level of income of individuals. Traditional families were known to be built by the women, who were majorly housewives. However, the current woman has evolved to be involved in high-income jobs or ventures. This is through hard work, thus making them have little time for their families (Wiseman, 2008). The men have also neglected their family requirement because of the need to provide for the family. This has cost the society the eligible individuals that are necessary to sustain the families. The high earning individuals have revolutionized their priorities in terms of marriage versus income. This has greatly affected the choices regarding to the building of the family.
The social shift of roles between the men and the women also poses a great change factor to families and marriages. Traditionally, the women were regarded as homemakers. They ensured that the families remained intact regardless of the various circumstances (Angier, 2013). The men were the providers for their families. However, the current shift in roles due to equality, has overseen the women changing to become major stakeholders in the job-market. ...