Edin and Kefalas Trump Horn
Single parent families are becoming more and more common across the nation. Author Wade F. Horn captures the heart of the matter with alarming statistics in his article “Promoting Marriage as a Means for Promoting Fatherhood,” while Kathryn Edin and Maria Kefalas look at the issue first hand by interviewing various single mothers in their article “Unmarried with Children.” Although Horn, as well as Edin and Kefalas effectively convince readers of their views by using logos, pathos, and ethos, Edin and Kefalas create an argument that is more successful.
Both authors use logos, or logic, as a means of providing evidence to support their claims, but Edin and Kefalas give more compelling evidence. For example, Edin and …show more content…
Edin and Kefalas establish their credibility by using their own research, and even reference the book that they had written. Edin and Kefalas also use their sympathy to show that they are passionate about the research they conducted. Edin and Kefalas also address opposing viewpoints by saying that while cohabitation is usually the best option, there are cases where it is not (Edin and Kefalas, 488). This improves their credibility by speaking on behalf of those who may not be safe in a cohabiting environment, and further shows empathy. On the other hand, Horn establishes credibility quickly by using statistics, but none of the data is from his own research. Horn also briefly addresses opposing viewpoints on marriage. Conversely, Horn comes off as cold and self-righteous by not showing any sympathy and blaming the parents for failed relationships. When concluding his argument about marriage being important to children, Horn states that “saying so may not give much comfort to those adults who worship at the altar of self-fulfillment, but it surely gives a greater measure of hope to children who hunger for their dads” (Horn, 483). Who is to say that there are not a great number of children longing for their mothers? And saying that all adults focus on self-fulfillment is quite a loaded …show more content…
Also, Horn focused too much on the well-being of the children, and did not empathize with the adults—especially not single mothers. Horn also only used data from other sources, which diminishes his credibility.
Overall, Edin and Kefalas are more successful at delivering their argument. Edin and Kefalas put a face to the statistics. Likewise, Edin and Kefalas do a better job connecting to readers by picking a story that is very relatable, especially to a younger crowd. Jen’s story is also used to emphasize the focus on single mothers, and not just the children. Additionally, the research provided by Edin and Kefalas was all original research that they had conducted themselves. Edin and Kefalas constructed a superior article. In either case, it can be seen that single parent families are becoming more and more common across the country. With Edin and Kefalas’s article being so convincing, single mothers may start to get a better reputation. Even though not all fathers are deadbeat dads like Rick, many have been seen to support the
Single parent families are becoming more and more common across the nation. Author Wade F. Horn captures the heart of the matter with alarming statistics in his article “Promoting Marriage as a Means for Promoting Fatherhood,” while Kathryn Edin and Maria Kefalas look at the issue first hand by interviewing various single mothers in their article “Unmarried with Children.” Although Horn, as well as Edin and Kefalas effectively convince readers of their views by using logos, pathos, and ethos, Edin and Kefalas create an argument that is more successful.
Both authors use logos, or logic, as a means of providing evidence to support their claims, but Edin and Kefalas give more compelling evidence. For example, Edin and …show more content…
Edin and Kefalas establish their credibility by using their own research, and even reference the book that they had written. Edin and Kefalas also use their sympathy to show that they are passionate about the research they conducted. Edin and Kefalas also address opposing viewpoints by saying that while cohabitation is usually the best option, there are cases where it is not (Edin and Kefalas, 488). This improves their credibility by speaking on behalf of those who may not be safe in a cohabiting environment, and further shows empathy. On the other hand, Horn establishes credibility quickly by using statistics, but none of the data is from his own research. Horn also briefly addresses opposing viewpoints on marriage. Conversely, Horn comes off as cold and self-righteous by not showing any sympathy and blaming the parents for failed relationships. When concluding his argument about marriage being important to children, Horn states that “saying so may not give much comfort to those adults who worship at the altar of self-fulfillment, but it surely gives a greater measure of hope to children who hunger for their dads” (Horn, 483). Who is to say that there are not a great number of children longing for their mothers? And saying that all adults focus on self-fulfillment is quite a loaded …show more content…
Also, Horn focused too much on the well-being of the children, and did not empathize with the adults—especially not single mothers. Horn also only used data from other sources, which diminishes his credibility.
Overall, Edin and Kefalas are more successful at delivering their argument. Edin and Kefalas put a face to the statistics. Likewise, Edin and Kefalas do a better job connecting to readers by picking a story that is very relatable, especially to a younger crowd. Jen’s story is also used to emphasize the focus on single mothers, and not just the children. Additionally, the research provided by Edin and Kefalas was all original research that they had conducted themselves. Edin and Kefalas constructed a superior article. In either case, it can be seen that single parent families are becoming more and more common across the country. With Edin and Kefalas’s article being so convincing, single mothers may start to get a better reputation. Even though not all fathers are deadbeat dads like Rick, many have been seen to support the