Massive Survey of Mothers Finds Marriage Worthy of Protection and Support

Teresa Neumann : May 6, 2005
LifeSiteNews

In time for Mother's Day this weekend a new report has been published by the Motherhood Project containing fresh insights on Mom's attitudes and concerns. The document contains some obvious, as well as surprising, insights.

The study was a rigorous, large-scale investigation led by a team of social science researchers. The Motherhood Study featured a survey of more than 2,000 mothers, a nationally representative sample reflecting the demographics of the total U.S. population of mothers 18 and older with at least one child under the age of 18. That quantitative analysis was complemented by in-depth interviews and focus groups to provide more detail about the experiences of mothers.

The study corroborates many of the arguments made by marriage defenders, including the need for dual parents to the financial benefits of marriage. The lack of appreciation for the role mothers play in society, however, was also noted by the study. Fewer than half of the mothers (48%) reported feeling appreciated most of the time and nearly one in five (19%) said they have felt less valued by society since becoming mothers. Ninety-five percent agreed that they wish American culture made it easier to instill positive values in children.

The study confirms what religious and organizational groups have been arguing for years, namely, that for any society to be healthy and prosperous the family must be protected, fostered and supported. If children are not raised and educated in a healthy family environment the consequences for the future of society are staggering.