Member-only story

The Rise and Fall of the Great American Family: A Devastating Diagnosis of Society's Most Critical Institution

William Golding

·15.2k Followers· Follow

Published in The Last Lincolns: The Rise Fall Of A Great American Family

4 min read · 3 weeks before

66 View Claps

6 Respond

Save

Listen

The American family is in crisis. This is not a new development, but it is one that has accelerated in recent years. The divorce rate has been climbing steadily for decades, and single-parent families are now more common than traditional two-parent families. Children are increasingly being raised in poverty, and they are more likely to experience health problems and educational difficulties than children who grow up in stable homes.

The Last Lincolns: The Rise & Fall of a Great American Family

by Charles Lachman

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2025 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	496 pages

What is causing this decline? There are many factors that have contributed to the weakening of the American family, but one of the most important is the rise of individualism. In the past, people were more likely to get married and stay married because they felt a sense of obligation to their families and communities. Today, people are more likely to prioritize their own individual needs and desires, and they are less willing to make sacrifices for the sake of their families.

Another factor that has contributed to the decline of the family is the changing role of women in society. In the past, women were primarily responsible for raising children and managing the household. Today, women are more likely to work outside the home, and they are often the primary breadwinners in their families. This has led to a shift in the power dynamics within families, and it has made it more difficult for couples to balance their work and family responsibilities.

The decline of the family has had a devastating impact on society. Children who grow up in unstable homes are more likely to experience poverty, crime, and drug abuse. They are also more likely to have health problems and educational difficulties. The decline of the family has also led to an increase in social isolation and loneliness.

The good news is that it is not too late to reverse the decline of the family. There are a number of things that we can do to strengthen families and help them to thrive. These include:

Promoting marriage and making it easier for couples to stay married.
Supporting single parents and helping them to provide a stable home for their children.
Investing in early childhood education and quality childcare.
Creating policies that make it easier for families to balance their work and family responsibilities.
Encouraging a culture of respect and support for families.

The family is the foundation of society. It is the place where we learn to love, trust, and cooperate. It is the place where we find our identity and our purpose in life. We must do everything we can to strengthen families and help them to thrive.

About the Author

Dr. Brad Wilcox is a sociologist and the Director of the National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia. He is the author of several books on marriage and family, including _The S Word: How Sex Became a Weapon and How We Can Disarm It_ and _The Great Divorce: What We Learned About Marriage and Divorce from the Breakup of the Baby Boomers_. His work has been featured in the _New York Times_, the _Washington Post_, and the _Wall Street Journal_. He has also appeared on _The Today Show_, _Good Morning America_, and _CNN_.

The Last Lincolns: The Rise & Fall of a Great American Family

by Charles Lachman

4.7 out of 5