It has been habitual to discuss social issues - such as marriage, divorce, abortion and the birth-rate - as purely economic things. The change in social attitudes to make all these things increase (apart from the birth-rate, which has decreased) has occured, but is seemingly above blame. To ask for a return to some of the values which create a truly civic society in which people are treated as more than just means to some hedonistic end, such as a call to loyalty, is very welcome.

One must question, however, the degree to which loyalty is being reasserted when a dissatisfied married man or woman leaves the relationship without seeking to improve it can leave and have no penalty. One might then argue in return that the government's compulsary lectures and sessions ensure that thought is given.

There must be a concern, however, when dealing with claims of domestic violence, for, as has been seen in custody battles, it can be manipulated. A proof-based system for domestic violence would be needed in order to change the income distribution, rather than the current discretion used in family courts regarding custody.

Loyalty must go futher: reasserting parental responsibility for wayward children; compulsary national military service; manners; respect for the flag and institutions of our nation; quashing of libellious, seditious and treasonable speech. That is, we must show how society is connected not only by choices, but by the things we cannot chose... birth, circumstance and love.

I have absolutely nothing worthwhile to contribute to this thread and am wasting my fifth post simply because I can.

I just don't see that people are really taking their marriages less seriously- I am in my early twenties, with several friends marrying recently. Each and every one of those people is perfectly aware that divorce is an option, but I think that makes them value thier relationship more- THEY do not want to be a statistic. Each of them, when taking their vows, truly believed that they would be together forever.

In many ways, having divorce as an option has helped my friends to 'work' at their relationships, as they know that they cannot just assume once the rings are exchanged that things will stay the same for evermore.

Heh. But we'll see how things are in twenty years!

Tubley,
Those of us with Chronic Major Depression, and other related disorders know exactly what you mean, some days are diamonds, and some days are stones, I guess you are having a "stone" day, I am too.

Regards,Shaun

Laurie

Perhaps you're lucky enough to be in a circle of friends who are currently loyal to one another. But overall the divorce rate is increasing. I think it transcends marriage into all aspects of life. People can't even own a dog anymore without neglecting the poor thing.

The number one cause of divorce is... marriage.

The only guaranteed way to reduce the divorce rate is to NOT MARRY.

Anything less is window dressing.

Sheesh, why do people still join such an arcane institution modelled on such antiquated family/social/gender roles in an an age where the landscape has changed so fundamentally?

In the context of all those changes of the last 50yrs, traditional marriage is like trying to put a round peg in a square hole.

Howard is trying to lead reluctant horses to water and admonishing him (usually) to drink from a despoiled pond.

Good luck turning the clock back.