Today’s Society: Married with Children or Single-Parent Families? Amy L. Green SOSC102

Introduction In this presentation I will point out how society views married couples with children, single parent homes with children and how society has changed and continues to change in the current times. I find this to be an interesting topic because I am a single mom with 6 children. I choose to remain single because life is easier being single.

Topical Question 1: How does society view persons who are married with children in current times?

Married with children facts: It is believed that people who are married first and then have children after they are married display morals and a good upbringing. It is stated children who are from homes where the parents are married are more financially stable because there are two incomes in the home. (Luscombe, 2010). It is further stated children from married homes are more “wholesome” because these homes offer more love to give their children. (Luscombe, 2010).

More married with children facts: Luscombe states that unmarried families are frowned upon in society. Married families in today’s changing times are rapidly decreasing. Married families with children are changing with the times and expanding into other combinations of “family”.

Topical Question 2: In current times, how does society view unmarried couples who have children?

Unmarried parent with children facts: Single parent homes are quickly growing in society. (Aliprandini, 2016) The myth that single parent homes aren’t as financially secure isn’t true in every case. Some single parent homes can be financially secure if the parent can obtain a flexible work schedule. (Aliprandini, 2016) There are agencies, programs and government funding that can assist low income single parent households to become more financially stable. (Aliprandini, 2016)

More unmarried with children facts: In 2005, 85% of custodial parents were single mothers. (Lee, et al., 2016) Lee & Finley also state that in many cases, women stay unmarried because many feel relationships are unhealthy and they wish to stay single because it is the best way to keep their children safe. Single parent homes are becoming more common in society, and this status is widely accepted as “normal”

The changing times: In today’s society, families can consist of many different combinations. (Kramer, et al., 2016) Same-sex couples with children are commonly accepted by society. Some families are composed of single parents living with other family members or friends. Sometimes people are against the permanence of marriage, but stay committed in a monogamous relationship for many years. Sometimes these are the parents of the children in the home.

Conclusion Based upon the evidence from my research, the concept of married couples with children might have been a common and “well-rounded” idea in the past because it was thought to bring security and stability to a family. Today’s society is in acceptance of single parent homes and is becoming very common. I suspect the reason for this would be that people have more freedom in expression of self in current times and less often follow the norms that were followed many years ago. I also feel a lot of thoughts and beliefs are changing because women are realizing they can be independent and provide for themselves and their families, and don’t need marriage to provide stability.

References Aliprandini, M., & Flynn, S. (2016). Single-Parent vs. Nuclear Families: An Overview. Points Of View: Single-Parent Vs. Nuclear Families, 1 Retrieved from: http://eds.a.ebscohost.com.libproxy.bryantstratton.edu:2048/eds/detail/detail?vid=8&sid=e132a8f0-7fe0-4bb3- ace0-2d7e325d5c1d%40sessionmgr4006&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmU%3d#AN=23828133&db=pwh Kramer, O., & Wagner, G. (2016). Counterpoint: Unconventional Family Structures are no Longer Discriminated Against. Points Of View: Single-Parent Vs. Nuclear Families, 3. Retrieved from: http://eds.a.ebscohost.com.libproxy.bryantstratton.edu:2048/eds/detail/detail?vid=17&sid=e132a8f0-7fe0- 4bb3-ace0-2d7e325d5c1d%40sessionmgr4006&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmU%3d#AN=23575267&db=pwh

References Lee, D., & Finley, L. (2016). Point: Single Parent Families are Targets of Discrimination and Should Receive More Aid. Points Of View: Single-Parent Vs. Nuclear Families, 2. Retrieved from: http://eds.a.ebscohost.com.libproxy.bryantstratton.edu:2048/eds/detail/detail?vid=11&sid=e132a8f0-7fe0- 4bb3-ace0- 2d7e325d5c1d%40sessionmgr4006&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmU%3d#AN=23575265&db=pwh Luscombe, B. (2010). Marriage: What's It Good For? (Cover story). Time, 176(22), 48-56. Retrieved from: http://eds.b.ebscohost.com.libproxy.bryantstratton.edu:2048/eds/detail/detail?vid=8&sid=68a2d47b-15f0- 40c8-b76e-029a7d791d9e%40sessionmgr120&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmU%3d#AN=55310314& db=aph