The American Family—An Endangered Species – Sunday, August 09, 1981
During recent decades, our society has become increasingly sensitive to the various forms of life with whom we share the earth. Laws have been enacted to protect the habitats of numerous types of animal life. Endangered species lists have been established. Here are recorded the names of those animals which face certain extinction unless they are afforded protection and special consideration.
Well, there is another name which should be added to the endangered species list. It is a species whose survival at this time is in serious doubt, a species whose extinction would be tragic and irreplaceable. Only this species is not biological, but sociological in nature. This endangered species is the American Family.
The existence of the family as a close-knit group of individuals consisting of two parents and their children, working together towards common objectives, is threatened. The following statistics are evidence that the American family is in trouble:
– The divorce rate in America has reached the 50 percent mark—one of two marriages will now end in divorce.
– The number of one-parent families has increased more rapidly in recent years than the number of two-parent families.
– There is an increasing number of children being born without the advantages of married parents. In 1940, one child in 30 was born out of wedlock; now the figure is one in eight.
– The average American father spends seven minutes a day with his children.
– American husbands and wives spend an average of 28 minutes a week talking to each other.1
This is only a partial list of indications that this basic unit of society is in danger. Conceivably, it is already too late to save this most valuable of all sociological species. Perhaps the family will succumb to the mounting pressures which threaten its survival, becoming only a chapter in future history books.
Hopefully not. We like to think it won’t happen—hopefully, we’re right. For the strength of the family is the strength of society. The survival of the family is linked directly to the survival of the community and the nation. For our own sake, and for that of our children, may we protect, maintain, and restore this endangered species—the American family.
1 Statistics abstracted from a speech given by Dr. Waiter D. Talbot, Utah Superintendent of Public Instruction, titled “The School’s Role In Helping Families Reach Their Potential,” given at the Adult Leaders School, Utah State University, October 16, 1979
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August 09, 1981
Broadcast Number 2,712