Question

Do you think that the decline in the nuclear family is to blame for our high crime rates, high high school dropout rate? What is your opinion. Many conservatives believe that this is the number one problem in America. Are they right?

Answer 1

• Nuclear family is the cornerstone of society; a place of contentment, refuge and harmony.The decline of the traditional family and the growth of family diversity are the cause of many social problems such as higher crime rates and declining moral standards generally. Family structure definitely has a influence on children and then upbringing.The loss of the capacity of fathers and mothers to be responsible in caring for the children they bring into the world is a major factor which can lead to violent or aggressive behaviours in children.This contributes to a loss of a sense of community and to the disintegration of neighborhoods into social chaos and violent crime. If policymakers are to deal with the root causes of crime they must deal with the rapid rise of illegitimacy.
• 10 percent increase in the percentage of children living in single-parent homes leads typically to a 17 percent increase in juvenile crime. So in a way it can be considered a major influence but not the only factor. Children's social environment also includes their school and media influences as well eventhough family plays a huge part in determining criminal behaviour.