As it became easy for a woman to file some papers and get money, property, and the kids, divorce became the female ripcord to escape from a marriage at the first sign of trouble. This is supported by the fact that most divorce proceedings in California have been initiated by women. The husband was of course a big loser, but the biggest losers were the children who essentially grew up without fathers. Two weekends a month visitation is not fatherhood. In addition to existing marriages disintegrating, fewer new marriages were taking place, particularly by men with assets or the potential to acquire assets.
Old habits die hard, but fewer men wanted to risk financial ruin by entering into a marriage.
These men tended to be active, financially successful, and reasonably smart, precisely the group considered to be most desireable marriage and father material by women. Coincident with the disintegration of the marriage institution, three congruent trends have produced other unforeseen consequences. Women are becoming professionally successful and financially secure, 2. The options of a traditional marriage are either bleak or not desireable. Some of these women unfortunately resign themselves to a career without families.