How Has America Changed in Its Values - Essay Example

Cohabitation is not the same as marriage because cohabiting couples lack the commitment, dedication, and motivation to sustain the relationship in difficult times. The psychosocial effects of cohabitation are adverse unlike the effects of marriage; research suggests that cohabiting mothers experience higher rates of depression as well as domestic violence than married mothers. Also, cohabiting fathers living with their children are not as affectionate with their children as their married counterparts are.

Q. 3: Why do divorced children do less well in school?

Ans. Divorced children do less well in school because they lack the parental attention, interest, and involvement in their studies that other children get. Also, divorced children have to deal with the traumatic effects of their parent’s divorce which adversely affects their academic performance whereas other children are provided with a healthy and happy environment at home that is conducive to optimal learning and academic performance. Divorced children are deprived of loving, caring, and supporting parents who can guide and keep a check on them through every stage of their academic progress, which is why they do less well in school compared to other children.

Q. 4: Why do you think infant mortality is related to divorce?
Ans. Infant mortality is related to divorce because the mothers might not be getting the required prenatal care because of suffering from domestic violence or depression. The psychological, emotional, and physical health of a mother during pregnancy has a direct effect on the health of the baby. Also, after the birth of the baby, if a mother is going through circumstances that have either led to or might lead to divorce, her attention toward her baby gets divided. Another reason might be that mothers intentionally take measures like taking pills to give birth to a dead baby considering their relationship with their husbands has or will conclude in divorce.

Q. 5: Why would a child not living with his 2 biological parents be at greater risk for child abuse?
Ans. Such a child is at greater risk for child abuse because he/she does not have the two biological parents with him/her to protect. Often, either of the two parents remarries or cohabits with someone else who also subjects the child to sexual, physical, or verbal abuse.

Q. 6: After reading the article, what is your opinion of the importance of marriage?
Ans. This article has dawned upon me on the importance of marriage. The institution of marriage sets the foundation for the building block of society i.e. family. The love, care, dedication, and commitment needed to build healthy relationships with spouses and children is only possible through marriage. This imparts a need for every adult affording male and female in society to get married. Read More