Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!
Step-by-Step Guide to Tackling Your Research Paper:
1. Understand the Assignment:
Your research paper must be 5 pages long (including title page and reference page) and should follow the APA format. It needs to focus on the high divorce rates in the U.S., particularly examining:
- The impact of divorce on the family.
- The impact on family systems, including government agencies and organizations that support families.
The paper must include a minimum of 5 citations from current literature (from 2015 to present). Avoid sources like Wikipedia, and use trustworthy sources from libraries or recognized academic journals.
2. Research Your Topic:
To address the high divorce rates in the U.S., start by researching the current issues and statistics related to divorce. Look for literature published after 2015 to ensure your information is up-to-date. Some potential sources include:
- Peer-reviewed journals on sociology, family studies, psychology, and social work.
- Academic databases like Google Scholar, JSTOR, or EBSCOhost.
- Government and organizational reports on family dynamics and divorce trends.
3. Create Your Title Page:
In APA format, your title page should include:
- The title of your paper, centered in the upper half of the page.
- Your name and institutional affiliation.
- A running head and page number in the header (this is formatted according to APA style).
4. Introduction (1 Paragraph):
Start your paper by introducing the topic of divorce in the U.S. and its increasing rates. Provide an overview of the research paper’s focus:
- Why divorce rates have been rising.
- How divorce impacts families and family systems.
- The goal of your paper: to explore the social, emotional, and financial consequences of divorce for families and the support structures in place.
Example: “Divorce rates in the United States have reached alarming levels in recent decades, leading to widespread societal concern about its long-term consequences. This paper seeks to explore the reasons behind the increasing divorce rates, focusing on how these separations affect families, particularly children, and how they strain family support systems, including government and social organizations. By analyzing current literature, this paper will examine the social, emotional, and financial consequences of divorce on the family unit and the wider societal implications.”
5. Body of the Paper:
Divide the body of your paper into several sections. Each section should explore different aspects of the topic in narrative format, making sure to include citations and references from current literature.
a) The Impact of Divorce on the Family (2-3 Paragraphs):
Here, explain the emotional, psychological, and financial effects that divorce has on family members, especially children.
- Emotional and Psychological Impact: Discuss how divorce can affect family members, particularly children, leading to anxiety, depression, and issues with attachment and behavior.
- Financial Consequences: Explain how divorce often results in financial instability for both partners, with a particular focus on how it can affect children’s quality of life.
Example: “One of the most significant impacts of divorce on families is the emotional toll it takes on all members. Children of divorced parents often experience emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and feelings of abandonment. Research has shown that children from divorced homes are more likely to struggle with academic performance and exhibit behavioral problems. Financially, divorce leads to the division of household income and assets, which can significantly reduce the standard of living for all parties involved. Custodial parents, particularly mothers, often face greater financial hardships, which in turn affect the well-being of the children.”
b) The Impact on Family Systems (Government Agencies and Organizations) (2-3 Paragraphs):
Here, focus on the effect that high divorce rates have on the institutions that provide support to families, such as government agencies and social organizations.
- Government Agencies: Explain how divorce increases the need for government programs related to child support, welfare, and housing.
- Social Organizations: Discuss how divorce rates place pressure on organizations that offer counseling, legal assistance, and family support services.
Example: “The rise in divorce rates has significant implications for government agencies and social organizations that provide support to families. Family courts are inundated with cases related to custody battles, child support, and alimony, placing a strain on the legal system. Additionally, social welfare programs are often forced to allocate more resources toward supporting single-parent households, especially those headed by mothers. Nonprofit organizations that offer counseling services also experience an increase in demand for their resources as families seek guidance and support during and after the divorce process.”
6. Conclusion (1 Paragraph):
Conclude your paper by summarizing the main points you’ve discussed. Reinforce the importance of addressing the high divorce rates and their impacts on families and society. You may also suggest areas for future research or policy changes that could help mitigate the negative effects of divorce.
Example: “In conclusion, the rising divorce rates in the U.S. have far-reaching consequences for both the families directly involved and the broader society. While the emotional, psychological, and financial impacts on family members are well-documented, the strain placed on government agencies and social organizations cannot be overlooked. It is imperative that policy makers and support organizations work together to create resources that can help mitigate the negative consequences of divorce, particularly for children. Further research is needed to explore more effective methods of supporting families through divorce and preventing its damaging effects.”
7. Create the References Page:
After writing the body of your paper, include a references page formatted in APA style. Be sure to cite all sources used in your paper properly. Your references page should include at least five sources, with a mix of peer-reviewed journal articles, books, and reports from reputable organizations.
Example of an APA-style reference entry: Smith, J. (2019). Divorce and family dynamics in the U.S.. Family Studies Journal, 45(3), 112-130. https://doi.org/xxxx
8. Review and Revise:
Before submitting your paper, proofread it for clarity, coherence, and consistency. Make sure your citations and references are properly formatted according to APA style. Check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors, and ensure that your paper flows logically from one section to the next.
By following this guide, you will be able to write a comprehensive and well-researched paper on the reasons behind the high divorce rates in the U.S. and their impacts on families and family systems. Good luck!
