Passage 57
Researches indicate that if current divorce rates continue, about two out of three marriages that begin this year will not survive as long as both spouses live.// The proportion of American adults who are married is decreasing. The share of out-of-wedlock births has soared.// Most children under age 18 will spend part of their childhood living with only one parent.// The negative influence of this phenomenon of children’s psychological well-being should never be ignored by any responsible society.//
Passage 58
Americans continue to say that they embrace traditional family values.// The truth is that many, if not most, Americans will sacrifice traditional family ties for activities which they claim to be less important.// It is common for Americans to let the pursuit of more individualistic goals interfere with their family life, even when doing so is clearly contrary to their best interests.// When personal and family goals conflict, many people who express strong support for family values do not live up to those values.//
Passage 59
Negative attitudes towards parenthood and marriage have increased.// When asked how having children affects a person’s life, more people than before gave negative responses.// Previous generations saw marriage as an institution to be joined and supported.// but today, most people value marriage primarily for what they personally can gain from it.//
Passage 60
Nowadays, more and more Americans emphasize materialistic gain and individual achievement.// Unfortunately, they are far more materialistic and achievement-oriented than they are willing to admit.// This miserable picture of “The decline of the Americans family” is supported by years of research.// What I am saying is that my presentation is not meant to persuade but to inform.//
（责任编辑:doublejp）
