Myths, Theories, and Demographics

    This week in class we studied and discussed the myths about family life in America today. Some of the myths I found intriguing include: people marry because they love each other, opposites attract, and happily married people don't have conflict. As we dissected each of these interesting points, It peaked my curiosity as to what makes these ideas false. In reality, people often marry because they are either lonely or "want economic security". The myth that happily married people don't have conflicts actually makes a lot of sense. One of the biggest parts of keeping a healthy and strong relationship with someone is being able to compromise with and for each other. Clearly, the myths that we create are from what seems the most obvious, or even the most popular/ talked about belief.

    Additionally, this week our class was able to identify theories connecting to patterns of relationships. We divided the trends into three groups: Significant, Important, and "No Big Deal". My list of significant statistics included: the increase rates in Pre Marital Sex, Delayed Marriage, the number of Employed Mothers, and the drastic increase in Cohabitation. An interesting fact about these and the other trends in statistics is that they all connect somehow. Our class drew lines and arrows connecting the patterns and how they influence and cause/ effect one another. As the morals and values of people seem to become less traditional, percentages of people living together and of children born out of wedlock increase consistently and substantially. Within ten years, starting in the year 1970, the average age for men and women to get married raised by five and a half years(W:20.5-26 M:22.5-28). This major delay in marriage directly relates to the dramatic decline in birth rates. As women get older they become less likely and later unable to give birth, so waiting to be married and start a family literally gives mothers less time to have children. Sadly, these trends remain true and show no sign of leveling any time soon. I believe that if we truly want to help our Country be the best it can be- we must one by one do our part to "be the change we wish to see in the world(Gandhi)".

  Today in class we learned about how demographics effected the economy. The economic consequences that follow Country's choices are truly baffling. Due to the statistics discussed along with the choices and trends following other Countries, the younger generations will truly have to focus on innovation, and refrain from individualism. As the number of children per women continues to dramatically decline, the opportunities for children to learn skills that come with having siblings begins to dwindle. My experience with having three siblings is learning how to sacrifice, serve, love, and forgive. These qualities truly open a person's heart and mind. As we all enter into the workplace, and into "real-life", being able to help and care for others truly guides each of our decisions. Being able to think of others and of our culture in general allow us to work together and really achieve success and growth.

 So this was my experience with class this week! I hope you enjoyed my insights! Thanks for reading! Please comment!