That part of this that is backed up by genuine research instead of definitional game-playing (half or less, IMHO) reflects a portion of society that is lacking something in its approach to life. I wonder if anyone has cared to correlate this with the erosion of religion within the affected cohorts? I do not say this as a bible-thumping Christian enthusiast, only as a simple observer - it is entirely possible, even likely, that religion helps keep us sane, and with it certain other aspects of society that have come to be regarded as conservative for some reason, such as a stable family with two parents.
The problem with grandly declaring a "new normal" is that it is neither new nor normal, and that there are reasons other than oppression, sexism, racism, and homophobia that have sculpted societies into their present sundry forms. Social theorists and engineers, and yes, psychologists, flout this at their, and our peril.
it is entirely possible, even likely, that religion helps keep us sane, and with it certain other aspects of society that have come to be regarded as conservative for some reason, such as a stable family with two parents.I've thought this for some time.
But since these pit the individual against the state, they must not be considered.