Can anybody tell me why a few generations ago having illegitimate children was frowned upon compared to living common law and having illegitimate children today. What were the socio-economic, cultural, religious, political implications of being an illegitimate child or having illegitimate children. Is it better to be legitimate, or does it really matter.
2007-09-14 03:57:54 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
Legally, it could make a lot of difference, especially if there is a lot of money at stake, and there are legitimate children from a previous marriage. Very especially if that marriage was never formally terminated by divorce. It can all get extremely convoluted. I think the practice of remaining outside marriage has been forced upon a lot of people by the tax laws and benefits available in elder years. I know a lot of elder people do not remarry because they would lose benefits on their combined income. Living "common law" in Texas is considered a legal and binding relationship, and dissolution requires a divorce. Culturally, I think it is an indication of the unravelling of the web of legalities the government has thrown over the population. Where, when, and why did marriage licenses become necessary, anyway? I believe people are trying to exert a little control over their own lives, again. It's almost like the feudal system, when the serf had to ask the Lord's permission to marry....we now have to have legal permission from our government. I don't think it matters much any more to the child (if their parents' relationship is stable), or to their friends, or to society in general if children are legitimate or illegitimate. Once upon a time, that status had to be indicated on the birth certificate; I don't believe it does, anymore. Economically, I don't believe illegitimate children who are in a stable family suffer any ill effects that they would not be exposed to even if they were not illegitimate. Even a "legitimate" child can be economically deprived. Your question could probably fill a chapter in a human growth and development book.
2007-09-14 04:18:55 · answer #1 · answered by claudiacake 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It use to be a bigger deal than it is today. I feel manly because first of all more people lived by the bible which states that sex out of marriage is wrong. 2nd family name was a big deal. For a child to be legitimate mint that they did not carry their dads name years ago. And also they did not get childsuport like everyone does today. People have changed their way of thinking now and do what ever they like wither it is looked at as right or wrong. But as an person in the schools i will tell you it still matters. Kids who's mom, dad or both are not in the picture at all are tested at school and picked on even called very bad names buy kids who's parents are around. My advice fr anyone taking that path in life and deciding that life for their child they need to really think hard about it.
2007-09-14 11:08:14 · answer #2 · answered by rani 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It really does matter. It helps for a person to know who brought them into this world so they can feel " grounded " and
like most people in our society have a family.
Over the years the sexual revolution of the 60's and 70's opened the doors to very lax attitudes towards couples having sex with little or no protection. The end result was many babies who may or may not be legitimate. That is when having a child out of wedlock was as you refer... as being frowned on. Back in the sixties if you made a baby you were expected to get married. And god forbid you sought welfare for a child out of wedlock. Tax payers hate to pay for the indiscretions of the foolish who never planned to marry in the first place. Religions have always looked down on having children out of wedlock. Marriage is a sacred thing and a precursor to having children to be raised in their families belief structure.
Common law unions are very popular because the level of formal laws that exist in traditional marriages simply do not exist. With acceptance of common law unions the bad stigma of being a child from common law unions has faded to acceptance from society.
2007-09-14 11:31:38 · answer #3 · answered by woodster 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People take illegitimacy from a very narrow pespective, the truth is gender and human rights are making life easier and looking simpler. The truth is as much as I believe it matters to know that you are illegitimate but peoples perception and stereotyping can''t be controlled. Knowing that you have intimate bond makes a huge difference to a child and a parent.
2014-11-11 01:17:16 · answer #4 · answered by Fusi Lifoloane 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In our past, we had stronger morals and values. As a whole, we were less tolerant of people that were different. But with increased education and experience, we have learned to become tolerant of those that are different. We realize what may cause them. We are not so quick to judge and we are more understanding. We do not want to hurt the children because it is not their fault. I do think children do better in traditional families. I have 2 stepchildren. However, I do believe that challenges in life can make people stronger and adapt better because there will always be challenges that we need to face and learn to overcome. But it is tough seeing children go through it. It breaks your heart at times.
2007-09-14 11:04:52 · answer #5 · answered by Unsub29 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's a personal thing for the child. being legit and knowing that mom & dad are married probably makes on more stable. I feel better knowing this, even though they divorced before they died.
2007-09-14 11:04:04 · answer #6 · answered by John G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Now it's just more commonplace. I don't think people think any more or less of it.
2007-09-14 11:02:13 · answer #7 · answered by Kenzie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋