Some critics believe that the American family has suffered greatly because of all the changes in society. According to these critics, the family had been much stronger before it began to struggle with issues such as divorce, working mothers, gay couples, and unmarried relationships. Today's strongest critics feel that the traditional nuclear family will become rare in the 21 century.
Nationwide, however, most Americans, believe that the family is going to survive. In fact, almost all major surveys in years have found that the American family is as strong as it has ever been. For most Americans, the family continues to provide their deepest source of satisfaction and meaning in life. Thus, although today's family is different from what it used to be, it seems to be thriving.