The family is the single most influential component social unit in life. Every country in the world shares the concept of family in its societal definition. Of course, the differences across national lines contribute to the uniqueness of each society. Yet the family is the primary venue where beliefs and behaviors are learned and expressed to shape the fundamental thinking and values of an individual.

In America, the traditional definition of family is parents and children residing together in the same household. While this remains the case, fewer families than ever have both parents in the home. In 1970, 85% of our nation’s children lived with both parents, but that percentage decreased substantially over the years until 1996, when it stabilized near 68%. Since 1960, the percentage of births to unmarried women has increased from 5% to 37%. These national trends have been found to have a correlation with the number of children who experience significant financial challenges, have lower educational levels, and rely on public assistance.

The child’s opportunities that exist for society are closely tied to the family unit being intact and providing a nurturing and productive environment for children.

The challenges for families nationwide are not any different for the households of Memphis. Memphis is the largest city in Tennessee, with an estimated 158,455 families, 250,721 households, and 2,327.4 people per square mile.1 The health and stability (or lack thereof) of these families is no doubt a contributor to many of Memphis’s greater problems and an indicator of the overall health of our community. The Shalom Family Life committee sought to examine the state of our city’s families, determine what factors are influencing their health and development, and define the challenges faced as a result.