Final answer:
The link between marriage and family in America has been greatly weakened, if not broken. There is a complex evolution in the concepts of marriage and family due to various social changes. Despite this, a strong marriage and family life is still highly valued, especially among the youth.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the text, the link between marriage and family in America has been greatly weakened, if not broken (option 2). This assertion is supported by the observation that the historical connection between these two institutions is becoming more complex with changing societal norms. While the majority of children still live in opposite-sex, two-parent, married households, this is no longer viewed as the only valid type of nuclear family. Concepts of marriage and family have evolved with increases in cohabitation, same-sex partnerships, singlehood, single parenting, and blended families comprising of children from current and previous relationships. Empirical evidence suggests that despite the challenges faced by families, such as divorce and the stresses of blended families, the importance of having a strong marriage and family life continues to be valued, particularly among the youth. Surveys indicate that high school seniors still regard a strong marital and family life as extremely important, with many believing in the likelihood of a lifelong marriage. The shift from a predominantly married couple-headed household society in 1960, with a 66 percent rate, to just 45 percent in 2010 also signifies a structural change in how families are composed, further indicating the transformed relationship between marriage and family in contemporary times.