When you think of the typical American family, what image comes to mind? If you’re more likely to conjure up thoughts of single mothers like “Murphy Brown” as opposed to classic couples like “Ozzie and Harriet,” you will not be too surprised by the latest U.S. Census statistics.

Figures from the United States census released last week show that less than a quarter of America’s households consist of the typical “nuclear family”. This number is down from 45% in 1960. Furthermore, the divorce rate in our country stands at 40%, and we have, for the first time, a greater number of people living alone than the number of nuclear families.

According to humanities professor Herbert London, the high divorce rate comes as a result of “a generation weaned on affluence and self-indulgence.” London feels that the personal liberation flower children sought out in the ‘60s has lead to no-fault divorce, broken families, and a new generation of children who suffer from anxiety about their own relationships now that they are adults.

Whatever the reason, the reports seem to reveal that the term “happily married” has become an oxymoron in our society, and Americans are proving that the nuclear family is not the only kind of healthy family environment.

Should Americans be startled by the decline of the nuclear family and the high divorce rate? Are you concerned with the future of the American family? Does this appear to be a natural or unnatural progression to you?