Actually, studies show that divorce is more harmful. As far as the economic need for both parents to work, I took a look at the census income statistics and compared single worker homes versus two income homes. I posted this back in 2002.
Most families do have two parents living in the home. The 2000 census indicates that out the 71,787,347 family households in the United States, Married Couple households number 54,493,232 or 76% of family households. A "Married Couple" household is defined as a householder that is married and living with his/her spouse. The remaining 24% are split 18% and 6% for female with no male present and male with no female present, respectively.
For family households with children under 18, the stats breakdown as follows:
| Category | Number | Percent |
| Married Households | 24,769,650 | 72% |
| Female-No Male | 7,613,175 | 22% |
| Male-No Female | 2,197,006 | 6% |
With regard to two incomes, my comments are limited to the population of two income households. The proportion of such households was not an issue. But since you brought it up, we see that two income family (married couple) households out-number one income households. (Note, however, that the proportion is different for households with children under 18 and children under 6, where one income households tend to hold a higher proportion.) Here are the numbers according to the Current Population Survey
| Category | Number | Percent |
| Wife in paid labor force | 34,516,000 | 62% |
| Wife not in paid labor force | 21,094,000 | 38% |
| Note, total is revised 2000 number so does not match the 54,493,232 shown above | ||
Finally, the Current Population Survey offers data by income bracket where the wife is and is not in the work force. Here are some interesting statistics.
The proportion of two income households making over $100,000 a year: 25%.
The proportion of one income households making over $100,000 a year: 13%.
The proportion of two income households making over $50,000 a year: 72%.
The proportion of one income households making over $50,000 a year: 39%.
If you take the time to look at the data, what you see is that the two income households are not barely scraping by on two incomes. In fact, on average, they are substantially better off than one-income households. This destroys the myth that the only families who can afford to have one income are the super rich.
I see you've analyzed the financial aspect of it and you're right that it is entirely possible to raise children on one income.
That's what I've done for the past 4+ years.