The Drawbacks of Single Parenthood

Family structure is the basis of American society. The traditional family structure, two heterosexual, married biological parents of children, is the most historic family structure. However, this structure has transformed into different forms that include single parents, homosexual parents, and parents who adopt children. The most common modern transformation of the traditional family is that of a single parent. According to the United States Census Bureau, 27.2% of children under the age of eighteen lived with only one parent in 2011. However, children raised by one parent is six times more likely to be poor and two to three times more likely to have emotional and behavioral problems. Children raised by a single parent when compared to children raised by married, heterosexual parents are more likely to drop out of high school, get pregnant as a teen, use illegal drugs, and commit crimes. Family structure is a passionately debated topic throughout the United States. Although supporters of non-traditional families believe single parents are just as capable of raising children as traditional family structures, a traditional family structure is usually better for children. Traditional families usually have two wages, so they earn the money that is needed to raise children. Traditional family parents also spend more time with their children when compared to single parents. Even though supporters of non-traditional family supporters’ main point is divorce is not harmful for children, that is a misconception, divorce is actually very harmful to children. Children in a traditional family also have fewer behavioral problems. Society, itself, benefits from traditional families in many ways. A traditional family is usually the...

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