In this era of arguments over gay marriage, we often hear conservatives argue that the sanctity of marriage is under attack. If marriage truly is the basis of society, as they say, then the legal system should make divorce and cohabitation harder. It would need to do so, though, in ways that make sure to protect the rights and interests of the spouse who gives up a career, for example, to look after children. In the old days when divorce was hard to come by, women could be abused (physically or otherwise) because they were economically dependent.
I do believe that a weakened family structure is bad for society. I think it would make sense to do things that make it more likely for families to stay together. However, I think it would be very hard to devise workable programs that would actually help while still preserving the rights and interests of both spouses.
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