Since the ancient times, the institution of marriage has undergone considerable alterations, more so, in America amongst other highly industrialized countries (Stevenson et al., 1). The traditional marriage is no more, thanks to the socio-economic shifts. People are opting not to engage in long-term marriage relationship while turning to other forms of relationships such as cohabitation. The two parenting marriage has changed to either single parenting or separated partners. The marriage between the people of the same gender such as gayism and lesbianism has ensued where one and two in every one hundred women and men, identifying themselves as gay and lesbian respectively.
The interracial marriage has increased in the USA to 8.4% in 2016 from 3.2% in 1990 (Daugherty et al., 4). The prevailing economic situations, as well as individual well-being regarding mental and psychosocial, is a great influencer of marriage (Theresa and Richard 8). The single parenting and separated parenthood as a result of malfunctioning marriages initiate a cycle of marriage loathing children (Stevenson et al., 6). A significant number of American are seeking alternative sexual relationship which results in a pronounced number of children born out of wedlock (64% of black infants and 18% of white infants).
The traditional and biblical ideal of companion marriage (6.9%) is under siege as the egalitarian relationships increasingly sprout (Daugherty et al., 3). The result is reciprocated marriages between old and young exampled by an old woman and young man. The notion of man as the chief provider in a marriage and the women as the childbearing and home staying is fading (Daugherty et al., 3). Both marriage partners are involved in family providence as women have assumed more employment hence financially independent. Consequently, increased tension between individuation and generative is witnessed in American families. When the tensions and the common marriage conflict results in divorce rate (3.4%) that is raising (Daugherty et al., 3). Men are also participating in childbearing roles as two income and dual career marriages intensify. The childbearing age of women in the union has also risen resulting in fewer children.
- Daugherty, Jill, and Casey Copen. “Trends in Attitudes about Marriage, Childbearing, and Sexual Behavior: United States, 2002, 2006-2010, and 2011-2013.” National health statistics reports 92 (2016): 1-10.
- Stevenson, Betsey, and Justin Wolfers. “Marriage and divorce: Changes and their driving forces.” Journal of Economic Perspectives 21.2 (2007): 27-52.
- Theresa Notare and Richard McCord. Director, Former Executive. “Marriage and the Family in The United States: Resources for Society.” (2012): 1-27.
