In Europe, the average has risen from one out of four in 1997 to one out of three children born outside wedlock. Nowadays, national figures in Europe range from 5% in Greece and 9% in Cyprus to 58% in Estonia and 64% in Iceland. In Britain the rate increased to 44% (2006) and further to 46 % (2009; in Ireland the percentage increased to 33.2% (2006). In the USA, the percentage born extramaritally increased to 40%.

From Wikepedia entry. (Taken 28th June 2010)

The range is remarkable. In Greece, births outside marriage are rare. In Iceland they are the norm. This enormous range could mean something: that the rate of births outside marriage has not increased because of some often-mentioned things such as the pill, greater longevity or women's greater equality in law and work. It may be more a matter of changing laws, benefits and culture. In other words, it may significantly be something that we have control over.

In other words, it may be wrong to say, "Oh well, that is the way the world is changing.". Perhaps instead we should say, "something has been changing in our laws, benefit rules or culture which is causing in this. We might be able to affect it in future."

Some might like to suggest that the differences in rates result from religion. But Switzerland has a relatively low rate and shares religions with its neighbours. Ireland and Italy are both Catholic countries but have widely differing rates.

Here is a link to the European Commission figures.

Posted by James Bartholomew • Indexed in Parenting

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