Good Intentions Gone Awry

Book excerpt: Based on sociological and economic analysis, Good Intentions Gone Awry presents valuable new insights into the impact of divorce on American society. Rather than blaming the deterioration in the quality of family life on the decline in so-called "family values," lawyer and economist Parkman argues that adults are responding to the incentives created by new opportunities and legal rules. Allen M. Parkman discusses the issues surrounding this sociological phenomena, proposes a reform program in response, and suggests steps that adults can take to create a durable and constructive family until such reforms occur.