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The Breakdown of Family Life

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The Breakdown of Family Life
“There is an increasing concern about what some politicians have described as 'the breakdown of family life ' and they have suggested that the only way to fix 'a broken society ' is to place more emphasis on marriage and a return to traditional values.”

Examine what are commonly believed to be 'traditional values '.

How far, and for what reasons, do you agree that we are currently witnessing 'the breakdown of traditional family life ' in Britain?

'Traditional values ' simply means coming from tradition rather than any specific philosopher, moralist or writer. Since the 1970 's, 'traditional values ' have become synonymous with 'family values ' and imply a congruence with mainstream Christianity, and have been in newspaper headlines for several years for a range of reasons. Family life in Britain has also been a cause for concern recently now with the acceptance of 'equal marriage ', more women being pregnant before getting married and a rise in divorce and separation. These are issues I will be referring to throughout this essay.

The recent acceptance of 'equal marriage ' has been one of the most talked about issues in modern day society, whether people are against it or not. Recently it has been a subject of discussion in parliament. One of the most common arguments against 'equal marriage ' is that marriage should be kept traditional. However, marriage has always changed to suit different religions and cultures, so it is hard to argue that it should be kept 'traditional ', meaning this particular argument, as well as the statement above, are both therefore invalid. If people were to marry 'traditionally ', interracial couples would not be allowed to marry, a person could chose to marry a child and the Church of England would still be under papal control. It is obvious that it would not end well, so it is hard to refer to 'traditional values ' in this case. 'The breakdown of family life ' could also come into this discussion, as it is

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