The sexual revolution brought talk of sex out into the open. The media and introduction of effective contraceptives brought the subject of sexual activity into acceptable public light. Suddenly the subject wasn’t taboo or to be held strictly between family members. As much as the changes during the 1960’s contributed to changing times, they did not invent people’s interest in sex or create rifts between happily married couples.

The increase in the divorce rate which quickly followed the new-found freedom introduced by effective contraceptives was in the works for a period of time before the first birth control pill was sold. Between the years of 1900 and 1940 women were marrying later, having fewer children, getting a higher education, entering the work force in greater numbers and divorcing more frequently. The difference between the two eras is that in the 1960’s, it all went public. The peace movement, driven mainly by young people, was picked up by the media and a time of general unrest ensued. From this time period many movements were started including feminism and the sexual revolution.

During the 1950’s the population in the U.S. was grateful to say good bye to the war years and the depression. The economy made it possible for a one income family to live comfortably. The stay home Mom was the norm and while things may have been more turbulent under the surface of family life, the face presented to the public was pleasant enough. Out of wedlock children were not acceptable so many women married to avoid the judgement of family, friends and society as a whole. Perhaps many marriages were smoldering beneath the facade of happiness as those who divorced during the following decades were not content with their lives.

When the pill became available it gave women a choice unheard of in prior times. They could control their bodies’ reproductive system and have children when they desired while still enjoying sexual encounters. It took the public a while to catch up to the new trends but sex outside of marriage was generally accepted by the 1970’s. The sexual revolution had people thinking and talking out loud. Social standards, of all kinds, were being questioned.

It can be argued that the American family has simply evolved to survive in changing times. It has responded to the economic crisis of the 1970’s (and the ones that have followed) by shifting itself into various forms. In a times of new-found acceptability, the husband no longer had to shoulder the responsibility of being the sole bread winner. In fact, many positions don’t pay well enough to support a household, particularly with multiple children. 

The word “family” has come to stand for many different forms. Two working parents, single mom and dad households and same sex parents are a few of the new forms since the 1950’s. While women now have control over their reproductive organs they are also able to talk openly about their choices. The sexual revolution began the journey towards the public accepting change but if things had been basically secure within the vast majority of family units, the divorce rate would not have increased. The revolution simply gave voice to those, whom in the past, had remained silent.