Among the consequences of divorce is marriage. Seriously. If children observe their parents can't keep a commitment, they are less likely to commit or stay committed and that affects how they live and their children.
The Pew Research Center has released its analysis of new census figures that shows the number of married Americans has dropped to just 51 percent. This is coupled with an increase in people living together. The survey predicts the number of married couples will soon become a minority in America. So much for "family values."
The age of first marriage has also increased: 29 for men and 26 for women. These are the oldest ages ever recorded.
Admittedly, this is only a snapshot, and some now living together will eventually marry, but it reveals a disturbing trend that will have consequences for the social glue which has been holding the country together.
Women are also having more babies with no husband. "Single moms" we call them, as if it is just one of many lifestyle choices. We don't want to be judgmental, do we? Perhaps so many of us have exercised such poor judgment it''s the reason marriage is in decline.
I'm Cal Thomas in Washington.
Publication date: December 15, 2011
