The Broken Home Theory

In regards to the second example, Fagan & Churchill (2012) provide that children from broken homes display a low commitment towards marriage. In the context of divorce, however, the reverse is true. According to Fagan (1999) compared to girls, teenage boys are far less likely to marry as a result of being brought up in a broken home. Even if they did marry, they would still experience higher levels of marital instability that could ultimately fuel divorce (Fagan, 1999). The underlying reason, according to Fagan & Churchill (2012), is the inability for young adults raised in broken homes to commit to relationships that could potentially lead to marriage. This is reinforced by Fagan (2000) who states that young adults from broken homes find it …show more content…
According to Siegel & Welsh (2011), since 1950s, opponents of this theory have questioned the use of records obtained from police, courts, and correctional facilities to establish the connection between children from broken homes and delinquency. Siegel & Welsh (2011) argue that even though it is true that there exists a natural propensity for children from broken homes to be arrested, it does not necessarily imply that they engage in frequent delinquent behavior compared to their counterparts from intact families. To this effect, opponents argue that children from intact homes are just as likely to engage in delinquency as those from broken homes, and that the absence of parents weighs more on the behavior of agents of the criminal justice system, rather than the behavior of children from broken …show more content…
Ultimately, this analysis will endeavor to show that there is a continual cycle of negative behavior in children from broken homes that essentially negatively affects the structure of the family, and propagates a whole new generation of children from broken homes. In essence, this analysis will reinforce the arguments by proponents of the broken home theory. In the absence of parents, teenagers are likely to become exposed to and engaged in sexual behavior. As argued by Fagan (1999) and Fagan & Churchill (2012), this could ultimately lead to pregnancy and the birth of children outside marriage. Considering the fact that most children from broken homes have a low expectation of marriage, it is highly likely that their children will be raised either by a single parent, or through the welfare system. The meaning of this assertion is that the impact generated by children from broken homes dents the structural functionality of the family. It presents a situation whereby children become parents of children, and the behavioral pervasiveness extends from generation to generation. It is no wonder research provides that the face of the American family is