Staff ReportsThe debate over traditional monogamy is heating up as Western societies grow wealthier and safer, and the results are not always encouraging. As prosperity increases, so does the temptation to abandon the moral anchors that have long held families—and by extension, civilization—together. The allure of instant gratification, fueled by a culture obsessed with personal freedom and self-expression, is eroding the very foundation of stable, monogamous relationships that once defined American life.
It’s no secret that strong families are the backbone of a healthy society. Decades of research confirm that children raised in intact, two-parent homes fare better on nearly every metric, from academic achievement to emotional well-being. Yet, despite this overwhelming evidence, divorce rates remain stubbornly high, and fewer young people are even bothering to marry in the first place. The paradox is glaring: as we become more aware of the benefits of monogamy, we seem less willing—or able—to practice it.
Much of this can be traced to the rise of radical individualism and the decline of traditional values. The cultural left has spent years undermining the importance of marriage, promoting the idea that personal fulfillment trumps duty and commitment. The result? A generation adrift, searching for meaning in fleeting relationships and digital hookups. The mental health crisis, especially among young women, is no coincidence. As society becomes more egalitarian and less anchored in faith and family, rates of anxiety and depression have soared.
At the heart of this crisis is the battle between moral absolutism and moral relativism. For centuries, Western civilization thrived because it held fast to clear, unwavering standards—monogamy, fidelity, and the sanctity of marriage among them. Now, those standards are dismissed as outdated or oppressive, replaced by a “do what feels good” ethos that leaves people lonelier and less fulfilled than ever. The left’s push for moral flexibility may sound compassionate, but it’s leading to a society where nothing is sacred and everything is negotiable.
If America is to reverse these troubling trends, we must reclaim the values that made us strong in the first place. That means championing marriage, supporting families, and teaching young people that true happiness comes not from chasing every fleeting desire, but from building something lasting and meaningful. The future of our nation depends on our willingness to defend the institution of monogamy, not just as a personal choice, but as a cornerstone of civilization itself.
