What will the role of coupling be in the future?

Question

IT wasn't that long ago that the main focus of society was on the extended family. Multiple generations of the same family lived under the same roof and at different relationships (uncles, cousins, grandparents, etc).

The Extended family over a slow process disolved into the prevelence of what we call the nuclear family

Now the media and certain political groups decry the destruction of the Nuclear family, E.I. people are getting married having kids then getting divorced and going ther seperate ways or not having kids at all.

Is society heading down a path leading to the destruction fo the most basic units of family. Inother words, in 100 years will the media and political groups be focusing on the destruction of coupling, IE people not dating or marrying.

Will the trend of the division of family units stop at some point or begin to take corrective measures?

Answer 1

While it seems to be headline news now, I don't think it's as dire as it seems.  Extended families have stopped living under one roof because economies have changed and allowed for earlier self sufficiency and/or relocation.  I do not have many divorced friends or childless friends, nor am I affiliated in anyway with such people so while it is news, it's not as prevalent as it seems.  

It's an interesting question nonetheless.  And I am sure where it is an issue, what you suggest isn't far fetched.

Answer 2

I think that the cost of living increase in the U.S. will eventually lead to couples staying together. Years ago I met a poor couple in Appalachia who was legally divorced, but they had 6 children together so they could not afford to live apart.  I can see that being the future of America. Many people being too poor to get divorced or live apart.

Answer 3

No, it seems like coupling is a natural instinct that can't be eradicated. While you've described the changing face of families over the years, you have not exhibited the decimation of the family. For that to happen, we would all have to be grown in Petri dishes.

Answer 4

I can't stand couples and married people they are EXTREMELY irritating. My baby this, my boo that SHUT UUUUPPPP. I hope science does away with these pathetic unions.

Answer 5

I believe it's going to reach a point in which couples are no longer required to produce children, therefore the biological family unit will continue to disintegrate.  We already have in vitro fertilization that only requires money and reproductive cells, no family, not even s*x.  And we've planted the seeds of complex human interaction without actual human contact via the internet.  The next step is perfecting that interaction so that it's just as or even more pleasurable than being with someone in person.  If that's at all possible, yes, coupling will fail as technology continues to develop.

Answer 6

It's a flawed system which suits only the woman.