Any parent will openly admit that sustaining a marriage and establishing a strong family unit is hard work. The process of parenting children from birth to adulthood in such a way that the children become productive members of society is replete with both challenges and rewards. Nevertheless, a strong, stable family unit is not only worthwhile, it's necessary for maintaining a healthy, upstanding society. Unfortunately, there is a decline in the strength and unity of the family which has a negative impact on society as a whole.
It's too easy to give up
The breakup of the family unit is not new, but it is becoming more common in recent years. It is becoming too easy to abandon marriage and family when spouses and parents feel that keeping the family unit together is too difficult. Consequently, there is an increasing ambiguity about marriage and family among young people. When children and adolescents see their parents essentially "give up" when they are struggling in their relationship, it sends the message that it's okay to just quit instead of putting forth the effort to make the marriage work. This attitude creates a perpetual cycle that has a negative impact on future generations and society. Too many people enter marriage relationships with the attitude that if it doesn't work out they can always divorce - regardless of how that impacts the children.
The ability for a society to effectively function and thrive is directly influenced by the strength and quality of family unit. The following are a few of the ways that the family affects society:
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The experiences of home and family directly influence a person's mental health, personal integrity and work ethic when that person enters the workforce.
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Single-parent families are more likely to live in poverty. Children in poverty-stricken homes seldom achieve high levels of education, quality healthcare, and the influence of well-adjusted social groups.
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The moral fiber among children and adolescents is weakening. When children don't have a home life that is rooted in security, consistency and moral integrity, they are more inclined to participate in high-risk behaviors and lose sight of a future of rewarding careers and family relationships.
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A solid foundation of religion and faith among members of society is crumbling. This could result in a decline in fellowship, charity and safety among community members.
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An overall decline in the birth rate of children. A dwindling population can undermine a society's ability to grow and flourish.
Society needs strong marriages and families
Studies have shown that married people are happier, healthier and more productive than those who are not married. A two-parent household is the ideal environment for raising healthy, hard-working and motivated children. Society needs the contributions of well-educated, productive people who know how to work hard and overcome the challenges they will face individually and as members of the society. The future of society is highly dependent on future generations of diverse individuals who will step up and lead with conviction, integrity and perspective.
At the root of these future generations is a strong marriage. The marital bond formed by a couple has a far-reaching impact on society. A report on marriage in America cited that "Marriage is not merely a private arrangement; it is also a complex social institution. Marriage fosters small cooperative unions - also known as stable families - that enable children to thrive, shore up communities, and help family members succeed during good times and weather the bad times."
The beauty of a society is that everyone is relevant. Each person makes a contribution to the growth and prosperity of that society in his or her own way. We each have an individual obligation to contribute to the growth and prosperity of our society. We best achieve this by fostering healthy and stable marriage and family units.
_For more information, check out the article, "Homage to the Home: Why Society Needs Strong Families."
