The Rise of Single Mothers

The American family is undergoing drastic changes. Forty-one percent of children are now born out of wedlock. The old idea of "married with children" is becoming just that--an old idea. For some American demographics, seeing a two parent household is now a rarity. For others, seeing a single parent household--especially single mother--no longer holds any of the social stigma it once did. Many believe this not a problem. Some, in fact, believe it to be progress. I believe it to be a grave portent. One that will not only impede American progress but threaten American prosperity.

The rise of single parent households has varied greatly by ethnicity. Asians have the strongest percentage at 17%. While Caucasian single parents have risen considerably, they are still relatively low at 29%. It is Hispanics and African Americans--Especially African Americans--who are suffering the most. Fifty-Three percent of Hispanic families have a single parent while 72% of African Americans do. Illegitimacy begets illegitimacy. These numbers are likely to go up before they go down.

Children born out of wedlock to any race are more likely to do poorly in school. They are also more likely to use drugs and go to prison. As stated above, once they, themselves, have children, they are more likely to have those children out of wedlock. In general, kids who grow up in single parent households are much more prone to be poor adults compared to those raised in a two-parent household.

There are many reasons for the increase in single-parent households. The ease with which people can get a divorce is likely a contributing factor. Some men believe marriage has become a losing proposition. For women, the feminist movement has encouraged them to become financially independent, a huge contributing factor to allowing them to raise their children without a father in the household.

But perhaps the biggest reason for the rise in illegitimacy (especially in the African-American community) has been the role the government has played in supporting single mothers since the 1960's. Many African-American mothers will actually refuse to marry the father of their child as that would then remove her from receiving government benefits. By replacing the father figure in the black household, the federal government has all but assured rampant illegitimacy within that population.

In my opinion, children need both a mother and a father. Both parents have an integral role in the development of healthy adults. The family unit needs to stay intact for America to continue on its path of prosperity and progress. This can be encouraged with further tax breaks for married couples along with austerity measures for government benefits to single parents. Originally meant to protect widows, government benefits to single parents have increased to historic levels. With illegitimacy numbers the way they are, I fear we will soon see a wave of crime and depravity that will rival any in American history.

Works Cited

Associated Press, "Unwed Birthrate Reaches All-Time High In U.S."

Http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29754561/ns/health-womens_health/t/unwed-birth-rate-reaches-all-time-high-us/