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Divorce

Does a failed marriage constitute a failed family? Some would argue that divorce is the downfall of the family unit. However, that claim can be refuted by examining the positive outcomes. Many children within "broken" families are happier, healthier, and more equipped for dealing with challenges outside the home as a result of making it through their parent's separation. Divorce is a life changing and often difficult transition for all members within a family, but in many instances, the children of divorced parents live happy, fulfilled lives despite society's opinion that the odds are against them.

In the past few years, divorce rates have begun to soar. The large numbers of females leaving the home and spending increased amounts of time in the work place have been a major factor in the trend. "Stone Soup," an article by Barbara Kingsolver argues that mothers are more likely to be employed now than they were in the 1950's. This power of self reliability makes it less probable for women to tolerate abuse without taking action (514). In turn, statistics demonstrate that females are then more likely to divorce and live in "extra nuclear arrangements" (514). Divorce is becoming more socially acceptable, and women feel less dependent on their husbands, not only for financial support, but for happiness. Because of this, family structure has slowly morphed, and in turn, stirred feelings of criticism and judgment by those who believe family makeup should not be altered.
Kingsolver questions whether a family needs to fit the typical nuclear model we are all familiar with (mother, father, and children), or if a family can survive in a nontraditional manner-with the addition of step parents and half siblings, etc. She points out that, "To judge a family's value by its tidy symmetry is to purchase a book for its cover" (512). The answer is yes, nontraditional families can survive. As a result of divorce, children may have reduced contact with one of their parents, but often, other family members and friends step in to create an expanded support system. Kingsolver talks about how her daughter disliked the sympathy that was shown when her friends found out her parents were divorced (511). "It's a bizarre sympathy, given that half the kids in her school, and nation are in the same boat, pursuing childish happiness with the same energy as their married-parent peers," explains Kingsolver (512).
Children with divorced parents

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