The benefits of a two-parent household have been researched and documented for some time now. Everyone knows that the best environment for children to live in is one where their mother and father are married and live in the same household. Unfortunately, that is becoming a rarity in the U.S.

According to the Single Mother Guide:

• There are 10.89 million single-parent-led homes
• 79% are led by single mothers
• 51% were never married
• 29% are divorced
• 3.6% are widowed

The statistics are shocking and unfortunate. Before the sexual liberation movement, single motherhood resulted when a woman became widowed or left an abusive relationship. The statistics tell a different story today. We must ask ourselves: What could be fueling the single motherhood epidemic, and how can we fix it?

Promiscuity

In the 1960s, the U.S. experienced the sexual liberation movement that liberalized sexual behavior among men and women. During this time, the first contraceptive pill was made available to women. A perhaps unintended consequence was that it encouraged people to engage in premarital sex.

Things have not changed much today. In fact, some would argue that things have escalated. Women have learned to accept their sexual objectification and even celebrate it by proudly publicizing their “body count” or engaging in lewd behavior on platforms like OnlyFans.

It is now obvious that men have benefited the most from the sexual liberation movement. When women engage in promiscuity, men are less likely to commit and more likely to leave when a woman becomes pregnant.

“I Don’t Need No Man” Mentality

Feminism has taught women that women can do anything a man can do. While this can sometimes be true, for the most part it is not. This mentality also “benefits” men because it teaches them to abdicate their responsibilities. That’s not the benefit they think it is.

Women and men are uniquely designed to be different. This is why marriage is the only institution that allows for children to experience how men and women complement each other in parenthood. Mothers focus on feelings and care while fathers focus on discipline, competition, and play.

It’s time for women to stop pretending we don’t need men. We need strong, masculine men who will become good husbands and fathers.

It’s going to take a cultural shift to turn the tide on single motherhood, which is not a women-only problem. It is a problem that belongs to all of us, and it begins in the home and our community. We must teach our sons and daughters that promiscuity leads to the degradation of the mind and soul. It is important to teach and demonstrate to our children what a healthy marriage looks like.

Men and women are not enemies. We were created to complement each other, unite, and form families. If we know a single mother or father, lend a hand and mentor them. The cycle of single motherhood can and should end for the benefit of future generations.