What is Considered Normal in the 21st Century American Families and Marriages? No Marriages and Increasing Adoption More Americans are shunning marriages as they pursue career and educational advancements. This reality is reflected by the age at which individuals are marrying. Census data suggests that in 2013 the average age at which men and women were getting married was 29 and 26.2 respectively. This is a rise from the 1970 figures which stood at 23.2 and 20.8 in 1970 for men and women respectively (Babay, 2013). The institution of marriage has been eroded and the significance that was attached to the institution is lost. The views of American regarding adoption have also changed with over 70% of the nation’s population expressing support
…show more content…
This is a deviation from perceptions in previous times when establishing families were not viewed in economic terms. The society then appreciated and encouraged individuals to set up families. The changes to the nation’s views on family are clear given the growing opposition to marriage and the setting up of families. This has been the most severe of the impacts of that changes that have occurred in marriage and families as these institutions form the basic component of American society. The erosion that the institutions have undergone may lead to the eventual collapse of the American …show more content…
Same-sex couples are now able to conceive with the aid of medical procedures that involve fertilization with the reproductive eggs of a donor of the opposite sex. Such couples may also seek the services of surrogate mothers who carry and deliver the pregnancy (Lee, 2010). However, ethical questions may arise regarding the parenthood of the parties involved in these procedures. Other than raising ethical questions, the rise of same-sex families has reshaped the nation’s public atmosphere. The intensity of the debate on same-sex unions highlights the far reaching impacts that the rise of these unions have had on American public dialogues. Laws are Catching Up with New Forms of Marriage and Families The government organs that are responsible for legislation have sought to update the country’s laws to reflect the changes that are occurring in families. Many states in the U.S. now recognize same-sex unions. Individuals in such unions are granted the same rights and protections that are enjoyed by couples in traditional marriages (Gerstmann, 2008). The laws being enforced in many states now recognize families headed by same-sex couples as the couples are allowed to adopt. The changes to families are marriage have therefore also had impacts on the country’s legislation.
This is a deviation from perceptions in previous times when establishing families were not viewed in economic terms. The society then appreciated and encouraged individuals to set up families. The changes to the nation’s views on family are clear given the growing opposition to marriage and the setting up of families. This has been the most severe of the impacts of that changes that have occurred in marriage and families as these institutions form the basic component of American society. The erosion that the institutions have undergone may lead to the eventual collapse of the American …show more content…
Same-sex couples are now able to conceive with the aid of medical procedures that involve fertilization with the reproductive eggs of a donor of the opposite sex. Such couples may also seek the services of surrogate mothers who carry and deliver the pregnancy (Lee, 2010). However, ethical questions may arise regarding the parenthood of the parties involved in these procedures. Other than raising ethical questions, the rise of same-sex families has reshaped the nation’s public atmosphere. The intensity of the debate on same-sex unions highlights the far reaching impacts that the rise of these unions have had on American public dialogues. Laws are Catching Up with New Forms of Marriage and Families The government organs that are responsible for legislation have sought to update the country’s laws to reflect the changes that are occurring in families. Many states in the U.S. now recognize same-sex unions. Individuals in such unions are granted the same rights and protections that are enjoyed by couples in traditional marriages (Gerstmann, 2008). The laws being enforced in many states now recognize families headed by same-sex couples as the couples are allowed to adopt. The changes to families are marriage have therefore also had impacts on the country’s legislation.