Analytical Summary: One and Done

Lauren Sandler wrote an exciting topic in Time Magazine published on 19th July 2010 about “One and Done”. The major discussion in the Lauren’s articles is about having single child or more. Lauren divides into several considered reasons of having single child or more, based on her experience and some research result such as economic factor, religious mandate, single child stereotype, taking care matter and the future impact of having single child or more. Lauren has succeeded to persuade people for thinking whether they want to have single child or more.

According to Lauren, economic aspect is one factor that should be considered for having single child or more. Although religious mandate said that people must be fruitful and multiply, people must think to have more and more children, especially during the recession. Moreover, some people are affected by single child stereotype which perceived as spoiled, selfish and solitary misfits. As a result, people desire for other children instead of only single child because “the more you bred, the more likely your line was to survive”. Concerning about that matter, Lauren argues that “since 1970s, however, studies devoted to understanding the personality characteristics of only children have debunked that idea”. Furthermore, Lauren has persuaded the readers to consider about take care matter and budget for education, health, insurance, sporting event etc. Finally, the writer argues whether people have single child or more will affect to the future. Single child will feel lonely after the parents died and it can also decrease the world population and workforce in the future or called “depopulation bomb”. On the other hand, children with their siblings can take care and share to each other although their parents have passed away but it can increase the world population.

Many arguments have been thrown and must be thought. Lauren has provided strong arguments to support the article. The article is really good. It is no doubt that Time Magazine published it so that people in the world can read it. I strongly agree with Lauren about the mutual happiness and fulfillment of adults rather that bearing and raising of children as the purpose of marriage. Therefore, a couple should deeply think in the matter of having single child or more. The decision and consequences should make both the parents and children happy and fulfill their gladness. However, Lauren forgets to explain one important aspect in her article, which is the effect of divorce rate in the USA toward the single child or more. In my opinion, it is important to consider the divorce rate in the USA because the country is the highest divorce rate in the world and it can affect to the single child or more.