The Family's Future?
by Candice Watters on 04/30/2007 at 5:11 PM
A New America Media study released Friday shows American young people are marked by optimism.
The study, called "California Dreamers: the most diverse generation the nation has known," queried 600, 16-22 year olds. The interviews, conducted by cell phone -- this demographic's primary mode of communication -- focused on perceived problems, plans for the future and attitudes about race.
"Though they view the breakdown of the family as the biggest challenge facing their generation, California young people hope and expect to raise children (63 percent) in lasting partnerships themselves (64 percent)."
They're optimistic about the future (78 percent), hope to get 4-year degrees (36 percent), think with hard work they will achieve their goals (96 percent) and expect to exceed their parents' standard of living (73 percent).
So far a rosy picture. But what about 10 years from now -- when the respondents will range in age from 26-32? Only 12 percent say they will likely be married, have kids or be starting a family.
A bright view of the future of family is a great place to start. But without a plan, it's unlikely this groups' results will be any different, or better, than their own parents' unhappy tales.
1. Claire said the following at 6:15 PM on Apr 30:
Of course, if no one teaches them how to plan for the future, there's little to do but paint a rosy picture and hope for the best. It's easy to think, "Well, I don't know how, but one day I'll wake up in 10 or 12 years and find everything has fallen into place..." That's about all today's high school and young college students know how to do.
2. Jacob said the following at 10:34 PM on Apr 30:
I use to be a confirmed pessimist, especially about the culture. Then, I read a book called "Reagan's Children: Taking Back the City on a Hill" by Hans Zeiger, and felt convicted. He makes a compelling case that there is hope for our culture and reason to be optimistic, especially if we truly believe what we say we do about God being in control. It caused me to open my eyes and see the good things that God is doing around me. In 11 days, I will be graduating from a college where I there are many committed Christian men and women who I know will live their lives with courage and faith. We have an administration that is friendly and supportive of Christians on campus, and many professors who teach their material from a Christian perspective. Further, each summer, about two thousand Christian teenagers go through my summer camp's leadership camp, learning how to be servant leaders and interact with the culture around them with truth and grace. These kids are committed to living for Christ and will, like my college friends, go out into the world and make a difference.
When asked what he would do if he knew that the world would end tomorrow, Martin Luther reportedly said that he would "plant a tree." Lets plant more trees, be less pessimistic and have faith that God can use us to be agents of reform in our culture.
3. Justin said the following at 8:02 AM on May 1:
Wow Candice, you're kind of a downer. Young people say they're optimistic about the future, and your response is that unless they plan to get married and have kids their lives will be unhappy.
Sadly, you have no idea how wonderful a single life can be.
4. Amy Jane said the following at 9:17 AM on May 1:
I wanted to know where the 12% number came from-- That was unclear.
Anyway, it's one thing to say when you're 16, "yes, I want to be married and have kids when I grow up," and hitting 22 without those being in sight yet.
Suddenly those two things are choices instead of theories or hopes, and that is naturally going to look different-- even if the heart's desire hasn't changed.
5. Joshua said the following at 10:05 AM on May 1:
Justin-
It's great to be optimistic about the future, but you can't build a future on optimism and high hopes alone.
The study's respondents said they wanted to have children, and a long term relationship commitment in which to raise them. So, if that's what they desire, then they DO need to work towards that and plan for that, or they will fall short of achieving those goals.
Candice didn't say they'd be unhappy if they didn't get married because they would be single. It's because without planning or working towards those goals, they won't make it.
If you're called to singleness, then great. But that doesn't mean that most others are.