SELFISH INTENTIONS - K-REx - Kansas State University

marriages. Thus, we are apparently within measureable distance of a time when,
if present tendencies continue the family, as a permanent union between husband
and wife, lasting until death, shall cease to be. At least, it is safe to say that in a
population where one-half of all marriages will be terminated by divorce, the
social conditions would be not better than those in the Rome of the decadence.
We cannot imagine such a state of affairs without the existence alongside of it of
widespread promiscuity, neglect of childhood and general social
demoralization. 124
At this point in the article, the Professor stopped his commentary on the effects of increased
divorce on society to explain how divorces are distributed among the various segments of the
population.
Professor Ellwood examined the divorce statistics from different geographic areas as well
as from different demographics. He found divorce was more common in cities than in the
country areas and less common among the middle class. The professor was quick to point out
that each of these statistical areas had exceptions. The census statistics showed that married
couples with children were four times less likely to get divorced than couples without children.
Ellwood explained, “This doubtless does not mean that domestic unhappiness is four times more
common in families where there are no children than in families that have children, but it does
show, nevertheless that the parental instinct is now, as in primitive times, a powerful force to
bind husband and wife together.” 125
Next, Dr. Ellwood addressed the numbers of divorces by couples of different religious
backgrounds. While the state census did not provide him with the data on the religious
affiliations of divorced couples, data from Switzerland illustrated a divide between the numbers
124 Ibid.
125 Ibid.
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