Men & Women; We NEED each Other

The topic of men and women needing each other is a complex and nuanced one; however, it remains an essential component of a healthy society. Historically, the original purpose of a man and a woman being together was for procreation and to ensure the survival of future generations. It was a partnership based on the division of labor and responsibilities, and together, they worked to create a home and provide for their family.

 

Today, the goals of a union between a man and woman remain the same, but they are realized in different ways. The need for companionship, emotional support, and shared responsibility is still important, but there is also a growing emphasis on personal satisfaction, self-actualization, and mutual growth.

 According to statistics, the number of two-parent households in the United States has decreased significantly in recent years. In 1960, around 88% of children lived in a household with both biological parents, while in 2020, that number had dropped to 64% (1). The decline is largely attributed to a rise in single-parent households, which now account for 23% of all households with dependents in the United States (2).

 

Single-parent households can provide a stable and loving environment, but they can also present challenges for both the parent and the child. In single-parent households, the lack of a second parent can put a strain on finances and increase the likelihood of stress and burnout. Single parents may face difficulties balancing their responsibilities as parents with other aspects of their lives, such as work, social life, and self-care.

 

For children, growing up in a single-parent household places unique stress on their development. According to a review of studies from the American Psychological Association (APA), children in single-parent households have a higher risk of behavioral and emotional problems, lower cognitive abilities, and an increased incidence of poverty (3). Parental divorce or separation is also linked to a higher likelihood of anxiety and depression in children (4).

 

On the other hand, two-parent households provide a more stabilizing influence on children and can offer emotional, financial, and academic support. Children in two-parent households are less likely to experience poverty or behavioral problems and are more likely to perform better academically (5). Statistically, children from two-parent households are more likely to graduate high school, attend college, and have a higher earning potential in their adult years (6).

 

Of course, every household and situation are unique and present their own set of challenges and opportunities. It is important to remember that the presence of two parents doesn’t automatically guarantee success, nor does being a single parent guarantee failure.

 

In conclusion, men and women need each other for a multitude of reasons, one of which is to provide children with a stable and supportive environment in which to thrive. While two-parent households offer the most optimal environment for children, single-parent households can still offer a loving and nurturing environment with the right support. It is crucial for individuals to recognize the importance of healthy relationships and to work towards building strong partnerships in all areas of life, including family.

 

Sources:

1. Kreider, R. M. (2021, May): Living Arrangements of Children Under 18 Years Old: 1960 to Present, United States Census Bureau

2. Living arrangements of children under 18 years old: 2019. In the 2019 American Community Survey, 1-Year Estimates United States Census Bureau

3. Amato, P. R. (2005) The impact of family formation on the cognitive, social, and emotional well-being of the next generation The Future of Children, 15(2), 75–96.

4. Amato, P.R. (2000), The Consequences of Divorce for Adults and Children," Journal of Marriage and Family, 62:4, 1269–1287

5. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2016): The importance of fathers in the healthy development of children Child Welfare Information Gateway.

6. McLanahan, S., & Sandefur, G. (1994). Growing up with a single parent: what hurts and what helps Harvard University Press