"The loss of expectation of permanent marriage has compromised the social supports of family, neighborhood, and community the secure individual could plan upon in looking toward the future."

"According to Barbara Ehrenreich, 'We face the prospect of briefer 'relationships' punctuated by emotional dislocations and seldom offering the kind of loyalty that might extend into middle age.'"

"The sense of isolation and fear of inadequacy [caused by the instability of marriage and employment] cannot be overcome or compensated for by the other elements of individualism and independence."