[johnnyanmac]

1) a big benefit is still either a) the option to have a full time parent or 2) the option to have double income. Both are becoming less and less of an option as housing prices go out of control in the U.S. (the subject of this article's sources)

it doesn't necessarily mean women need men, but people in general are starting to require some partner or otherwise roomate to make ends meet. with the context of a kid, that overwhelmingly implies a partner.

2) if only. it's more like casual sex in general is more popular. Not necessarily a bad thing, but if less people are meeting romantically and are getting their sexual gratification casually, you see how this can lead to less stable relationships (if they form at all).

even in an unofficial capacity, polygamy may be able to solve quite a few problems. But I'm not sure if that sentiment will shift in my lifetime, at least in the U.S.