Why Marriage Matters

Introduction The report Why Marriage Matters: Thirty Conclusions from the Social Sciences is an in-depth look at the importance of intact, biological, married families. Thirty specific, research-based conclusions about the financial, physical, social, and mental health benefits of intact marriages are detailed in this report. Marriage is so important for adults and children across racial and economic lines. Although there is still research to be done on this topic, this report makes it clear that marriage matters and should be an important influence on public policy.
Why Marriage Matters Marriage does not only matter on an individual level, it matters on a much broader societal level. This report describes the profound effect that marriage …show more content…
Although marriage is a protective factor against poverty and the profound negative effects associate with it, this report indicates that poor and working class Americans are increasingly moving away from marriage. Public policy should reflect research-based views of the beneficial nature of intact marriages. More people, especially adults, young adults, and children living in poverty, need to know the benefits of an intact marriage between two people who love and support each other. The average person has not been made aware of all the research cited in this report. Since the intergenerational nature of poverty is related to wealth not being acquired and passed down, the fact that married couples tend to build more wealth is important to take note of. It is also difficult to stay married when struggling with poverty, so more programs and supports for married couples in low income communities are needed. As lawmakers and educators address the issues of poverty, marriage and its benefits should be included in the conversation. That is not to say that a higher marriage rate will magically end poverty, but the added support and stability associated with a happy marriage can reduce the hardships of …show more content…
The positive effects that an intact marriage has on both parents and children in the family are widespread. Married couples and their children are physically healthier and less likely to struggle with substance abuse. Children who grow up in intact married families are more likely to thrive and suffer from less psychological distress. Marriage also alleviates poverty and helps reduce financial hardship for intact married families. This report provides strong evidence for the importance of a family that consists of two married parents and their biological children; however, the language used and the focus on only one type of marriage as successful could be seen as a weakness. The authors only provide evidence that supports their conclusion, which makes the report seem a bit biased. Still, this report provides useful information about the benefits of marriage and supports the conclusion that marriage should have an important influence on public policy. Marriage matters not only on an individual level, but on a broader societal level as