Sociologist and historian Carle Zimmerman, in his 1947 book Family and Civilization, recorded his keen observations as he compared the disintegration of various cultures with the parallel decline of family life in those cultures. Eight specific patterns of domestic behavior typified the downward spiral of each culture Zimmerman studied.

• Marriage loses its sacredness...is frequently broken by divorce.
• Traditional meaning of the marriage ceremony is lost.
• Feminist movements abound.
• Increased public disrespect for parents and authority in general.
• Acceleration of juvenile delinquency, promiscuity, and rebellion.
• Refusal of people with traditional marriages to accept family responsibilities.
• Growing desire for and acceptance of adultery.
• Increasing interest in and spread of sexual perversions and sex-related crimes.