Introduction
Divorce is negatively regarded in American society as it is believed to lead to numerous detrimental social, economic, and other effects. It has been acknowledged that divorces are specifically harmful to children, whose psychological, emotional, and academic well-being deteriorates when their parents separate (Hill and Tisdall 224). Nevertheless, the divorce rate is alarmingly high in the United States.
Although it has decreased since its peak in the 1970s–1980s, it has remained dramatically higher than the divorce rate in the 1950s (Walsh 24). For instance, almost 10% of the US population was divorced in 2009, compared to only slightly more than 2% in 1950 (Chowdhury 257). It is possible to outline the major effects of the dissolution of marriages on US society, the economy, families, and children in evaluating the risks associated with divorce.
Families and Children
One of the most researched aspects of divorces is associated with their impact on families and children. It has been found that children living in single-parent families have psychological and emotional issues, often lag behind in school, and become less successful as adults (Anderson 378). First, children do not understand the changes that occur, and they may have various psychological and emotional issues.
Many children think that they are the reason for their parents’ separation, or they can even develop a level of distrust or contempt toward the opposite sex. In addition, divorce is associated with considerable financial losses for the family, which means that there will be less money available for the child’s needs; this has a direct effect on educational outcomes, as well (Baghestani and Malcolm 531). Split families often become the reason for the destruction of various social ties, which has a negative effect on the development of the community.
Economy and Divorce
Furthermore, it is important to note that economic losses are not only an outcome for families; divorces negatively affect the economy of the entire country. Separation is associated with the division of the couple’s property, which often leads to additional expenses such as legal bills (Lamanna et al. 369). Single parents (especially single mothers) often have to work part-time or from home, which can result in lower salaries. It has also been found that single parents tend to face unemployment issues (Chowdhury, 260). They have to both manage their job responsibilities and address their child’s or children’s needs, a difficult endeavor. Moreover, divorce is also tied to an increase in the poverty rate (Chowdhury, 260).
Society and Divorce
Finally, research on the impact of divorces shows that each couple’s separation has detrimental effects on society. As mentioned earlier, social links are destroyed or severely damaged (Baghestani and Malcolm 531). People grow alienated from others and tend to become more frustrated and stressed. The increased poverty rate and financial constraints that separated people’s experience lead to growing gaps in US society. These gaps can result in social unrest.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to note that divorce has detrimental effects on society, the economy, and families in the United States. Children suffer the most, and their future will often be less successful compared to children raised in intact families. In simple terms, the separation of two people leads to a separation for millions. The nation itself may cease to exist as a society of complete strangers arises. Therefore, it is vital to address the problem and help the American nation remain strong and happy.
Works Cited
Anderson, Jane. “The Impact of Family Structure on the Health of Children: Effects of Divorce.” The Linacre Quarterly, vol 81, no. 4, 2014, pp. 378-387.
Baghestani, Hamid, and Michael Malcolm. “Marriage, Divorce and Economic Activity in the US: 1960–2008.” Applied Economics Letters, vol 21, no. 8, 2014, pp. 528-532.
Chowdhury, Abdur. “’Til Recession Do Us Part: Booms, Busts and Divorce in the United States.” Applied Economics Letters, vol 20, no. 3, 2013, pp. 255-261.
Hill, Malcolm, and Kay Tisdall. Children and Society. Taylor and Francis, 2014.
Lamanna, Mary Ann, et al. Marriages, Families, and Relationships: Making Choices in a Diverse Society. Cengage Learning, 2014.
Walsh, Froma. Strengthening Family Resilience. Guilford Publications, 2015.