The Modern Family in the 21st Century
The modern family has seen a major shift not only in demographic, but makeup over the last several decades. Everything is a reflection of the world we live in. From the expansion of social media and the internal connectivity people share with anyone they wish, these new interactive opportunities have significantly altered the way each and every one of us not only experience family life, but see family life. Family remains important; the nature of it simply has changed.
Baby Boomers and the Family Shift
Before World War II, most families struggled to put food on the table and to make a decent living. After the stock market collapse in 1921, millions of people around the country lost their jobs. This put a cuff on potential family expansion. However, at the conclusion of World War II, the economy found its footing again, with men and women returning to their homes, ready to live the American dream. The Baby Boomer generation took shape immediately after the Second Great War, as people settled down, bought houses and had children. Outside of the nightly news, daily newspapers and talking with neighbours, most individuals never saw much past their own local communities. This reduces family opportunities that now come as second nature.
Redefining the American Family
The current household makeup is now far different than just a few decades ago. Roughly half of all marriages end in divorce. This is not to say more marriages are failing now than before, but instead individuals see opportunity through their divorce. In the 1950s, 60s, 70s and even the 80s, the simple word “divorce” proved taboo. Individuals who went through with it were looked down upon in society. This negative connotation often prevented individuals from going through with it. Plus, by having this scarlet letter stitched onto their chest, making their way in the community would prove difficult, if not impossible (especially for a woman). Marriages remained intact more out of necessity than for love. Remaining married out of necessity no longer is required. With every new decade, divorce rates have gone up. Much of this can be blamed on the continual exposure to the outside world through the Internet, mobile phones and social media. However, people fall in and out of love the same as past generations. Currently, there simply are more options. Modern family is a reflection of modern society. If something isn’t working, trade it in and try for something better.
Divorce is No Letter the Disgusting Word it Use to Be
Going through a divorce is no longer a disgusting word. The general process can prove more problematic for some individuals over others, but they are not looked upon with the same level of disgust or shame similar individuals were just a few decades ago. Whereas it might have proven difficult to know anyone who went through a divorce in the 50s, most people have friends, family members or they themselves have gone through a divorce. It is second nature and common place. Now, in order to make it through most divorce proceedings, it is important to have the right legal representation. A divorce attorney is needed to make sure individuals have their rights properly defended. Often times, when it comes to financial and child obligations court systems side with the mothers and females. The Firm for Men is one such legal institution designed to work with men and make sure they have the proper attorney at their side.
Divorce is no longer an ugly word. It simply is part of the modern household. A household that varies from each individual family.
Guest Author: Angie Charda
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