A new study from University of Chicago researchers reveals that just 26 percent of American households were comprised of a married couple with children in 1998 -- down from 45 percent in the early 1970s. The Census Bureau says that married couples with children younger than 18 were 36 percent of households in 1997.

The Chicago survey found that in 1998:

• Married adults comprised 56 percent of households -- compared to nearly 75 percent in 1972.

• Fifty-one percent of children lived in a household with both parents -- compared to 73 percent in 1972.

• The percentage of households made up of unmarried people with no children was 33 percent -- more than double the rate in 1972.

• The proportion of children living with single parents rose to 18.2 percent -- compared with 4.2 percent in 1972.

Americans are reportedly becoming more tolerant of divorce. Some 67 percent of them interviewed last year disagreed that parents ought to stay together just because of the children.

Source: Associated Press, "Married With Children Now Far from Norm," Washington Times, November 24, 1999.