In the world we live in today there are current trends in the family, and they have impacts especially on our society. As I list these trends I will also expound on them, their impacts as well as how some of them are connected. The main focus will be on the country of Jamaica.
(1)Birth-rates going down
In my growing up I made an observation of birth rates going down due to young men actually dying before reaching the age to start a family, as a result of gang activities. As well, I noticed many of the older generation have lots of children. Many older men have handfuls of children. Nowadays it is rare to hear of a man having lots of children. Families seem to be smaller. Smaller families sizes are as a result of modern technologies to perform abortions and even the more broad use of contraceptives.
(2)Marriage rates going down
Another trend in Jamaica is the rate of marriage is going down. Less and less people are getting married. And marriage is happening later in people’s lives. Young people are focusing more on their education, work and hobbies. As before young people focused more on starting a family. This can be tied to birth rates going down because people are not having children as much this causing them to not get attached to their significant others as quickly or, at all. As well people are seeing married as a very serious matter and do to want to rush into marriage at a young age.
(3)Marriage rates in older people going up/ late first marriages
This can be connected to marriage rates going down. Many people are starting to view marriage as a very serious commitment but something that should be done later in life when you are more stable financially and ready to settle down. They don’t want to rush into marriage when they are young. Many people are noticing that lots of young marriages are ending in divorce and that shows them that marriage at a young age is not a good idea.
(4)Divorce rates going up
This is so as can be a result of early marriages not working out also of multiple marriages not working out or for the greed of money or material things.
(5)Non marital births increasing
“Countries in which slavery existed have the highest rate of children being born out of wedlock. In Jamaica, more children are born out of wedlock than anywhere else in the world. Fourteen per cent are born to parents who are married to each other, while 86 per cent are not. Stated I the Jamaican observer.”
It does not surprise me that the rate of children born out of wedlock is increasing in Jamaica as I am a born and raised citizen. Many Jamaican have a different view on marriage. They feel that you do not have to be legally married to be married. They feel as if living together with your significant other for many years is marriage and they do not have to be legally married.
(6)Employed moms rate going up
This is the result of divorce or non-marital births. I have noticed that many more women are going out, and joining the work force. This can be caused by more educational opportunities. But I believe that the main reason is because there is a high percentage of single mothers. These women cannot stay home and take care of the children all day as they need to go out and get money for their family. If they do not go out and generate a income, they will be unable to provide for themselves and their families.
Comments