In England during the 17th Century only about 1% of children born were deemed illegitimate. But by 1800, almost 40% of brides came to the altar pregnant! and about 25% of all first-born children were illegitimate. This was to be a permanent sea-change, brought about by the mass movement of people from the conservative countryside to the the towns and cities.
Now, in 2013, we learn that 49% of children born in the UK are born to un-wed mothers, in long-term relationships or not. What do you think? Does it matter? Is it good for the children? Does it make breaking up (un-hooking?) all too easy? I think I know what Epicurus might have thought. What about you?
O.K. My take on it is that a committed, stable family, where the
parents agree on be behaviour expected and discipline dispensed is the best environment for bringing up well-adjusted children. Conventional attitude? You bet!