American Families Term Paper

Toulmin Argument on American Families

Up to 30 years ago, divorces were difficult to obtain and were very rare in American society. However, in 1969, the advent of no-fault divorce laws caused a spike in divorce rates. Qualifier follows- This paper argues that if the United States wants to preserve the traditional ideals of the American family, (claim follows) -- the no fault divorce laws must be repealed.

Support #1 follows -- The no-fault divorce laws have caused an alarming spike in the divorce rate. In a statistical study, researchers found an estimated.8 point average increase in the divorce rate after the no fault divorce laws were enacted. The 1970s saw a "divorce boom," when the divorce rate more than doubled. In fact, the divorce rates in the states that have adopted no fault divorce laws were much lower than their no-fault counterparts (Nakonezny, Shull, and Rodgers).

The ease of obtaining divorces has eroded the traditional American family. Instead, many children grow up in single-parent homes, without the benefit of support and love from both their parents.

Support #2 follows - The rise in divorce rates has caused many children much suffering and grief. Children of divorce lose their most important security structure and suffer the pain of families that are torn apart. Instead of having the support of a loving, intact family, many children of divorce report being pulled apart by feuding family sides. In their most vulnerable time, as their world is falling apart, many children become pawns in a game of vying loyalties.Some liken the pain of divorce to the death of a beloved loved one (Connelly).

Indeed, divorce can be seen as a form of death, since it spells the death of a family.

Support #2 follows - After the initial shock of the divorce, the affected children continue to suffer feelings of guilt and inadequacy. Many feel that they are partly responsible for the failure of their parents' marriage. One girl says that her parents' divorce left her feeling unwanted and expendable (Roszler).

Warrant follows - As Americans, we believe that children are the future, that a happy childhood is the foundation for growing up to be a productive, well adjusted adult. However, divorce engenders feelings of inadequacy continue to plague children, keeping them from living a normal childhood.

Rebuttal follows --While many argue that children eventually get over their parents divorce, support #3 follows -- psychologist Judith Wallerstein believes that the most serious effects of divorce on a child do not surface until adulthood.

In a study that followed 131 children of divorce for 25 years, Wallerstein found that majority of the children of divorce could not form healthy attachments with other people. As they enter into romantic relationships of their own, children of divorce worry how disaster could strike at any time. They do not trust their happy situations and often, their anxiety puts a strain on their relationships, often leading to a cycle of….....