David Blankenhorn

In the following viewpoint, David Blankenhorn argues that statistics suggesting that the traditional family is declining are inaccurate. He contends that the number of traditional families in America declined to an all-time low in 1997, but claims that the number has since stabilized. Blankenhorn maintains that these figures suggest an end to the family structure revolution, which heralds a positive change for American families and society. Blankenhorn is the founder and president of the Institute for American Values, an organization dedicated to promoting marriage and family.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. Why does the author blame the confusion over family statistics on the Census Bureau?
2. According to Blankenhorn, what was the primary basis for the “decline stories” in May 2001?
3. What causes does the author attribute to the shift in...