THE DECADENCE OF THE AMERICAN FAMILY AS VIEWED IN 1884

[摘要] Almost a century ago editorials such as the one below expressed the fear that the American family was in serious trouble.We do not like to be doleful, but it is impossible to ignore some of the facts that have been presented with the last year or two [1882] by Dr. Goodell, Dr. Nathan Allen, and others. These facts relate to...the decadence of family life among Americans. Dr. Allen, who has been studying this subject for many years, presents the case very directly in an article entitled "The New England Family" ( The New Englander ). It is asserted that the objects of the institution of the family are three: the propagation of children, the preservation of chastity, mutual help and company. In each of these respects the American family, especially the New England family, shows a marked and progressive deterioration, since one hundred years ago.As regards the propagation of children, it is shown that the average native New England family is very much less productive than formerly.... The birthrate in New England families has been steadily declining until now it is lower than that of any European country except France. One additional element in this, no doubt, is the habit of delaying marriages-a habit made almost necessary by the more expensive style of living which is demanded, and by what some consider the selfishness of young men who prefer not to sacrifice their liberty to the responsibility and expense of domestic life.Another indication of family deterioration is the increase of divorces.

[学科分类] 儿科学