The notions of the American family are quickly changing. A new study by the Pew Research Center reveals that 39% of Americans say marriage is becoming obsolete.
Whether you agree with this statement or not, U.S. Census data supports this finding. Nearly one third of American kids under 18 live with a parent who is separated, divorced, or has never been married.
People are rethinking and redefining what "family" means. Marriage is no longer required, it's becoming more of an option or choice.
In the telephone survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, out of 2,691 respondents, 86% said a single parent and child constitute a family. Four of 5 respondents said an unmarried man and woman with a child is also a family, and 63% said a gay or lesbian couple raising a child fits into the same definition.
But, no matter how people described a family, they generally agreed that it was central to their lives and more important than community, career or social life.
“The survey finds that Americans have an expansive definition of what constitutes a family,” the report said. “And the vast majority of adults consider their own family to be the most important, most satisfying element of their lives.”
Ninety-three of the respondents agreed that love was the most important reason to tie the knot — how romantic! Wait…what did the other 7% say?
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