Review Of The Article Society's Well-Being Depends Upon The Traditional Family

Jean Bethke Elshtain presents a critical perspective about the deteriorating state of the family in contemporary society in her article, “Society's Well-Being Depends upon the Traditional Family”. By employing rhetorical strategies of ethos, logos, and pathos, the author constructs a persuasive case that calls for renewed focus on the family as the fundamental unit of society. Elshtain builds her argument through a combination of rhetorical strategies, including the use of ethos, logos, and pathos. Each of these elements contributes to her overall argument and the extent to which her rhetoric succeeds in convincing readers of the urgency in addressing the challenges faced by the family unit. As far as ethos goes, Elshtain shares her own experiences and personal involvement in the "family debate". She briefly describes some of the challenges present within the traditional family, and makes sure to highlight that she has been in the front lines of this topic for nearly two decades, which enables her to present as someone with firsthand knowledge and commitment to the topic. She establishes credibility and expertise that sets the tone for the rest of her argument, this personal touch also works to engage the reader and create a sense of authenticity in the argument. Elshtain opened her article by invoking the authority of

She describes the troubled state of American children, their vulnerability, and the negative consequences they face due to family breakdown. She shares that American children have shown increasing rates of substance abuse, adolescent violence, and emotional and behavioral problems. This emotional appeal aims to invoke an emotional response from the reader, fostering a connection and empathy towards the children and families affected, allowing readers to recognize the urgency of addressing family breakdown and its