A deep dive into its impact on spouses, children, and society

Today, many will argue that marriage is on the decline. Some will even argue that marriage is an outdated institution. While there is ongoing debate regarding divorce rates in the U.S., no matter what the actual divorce rate is, it is too high. Because more and more people are being raised in single-parent and divorce-impacted homes, many question the value and efficacy of marriage.

However, when you approach the question of whether marriage is an outdated institution armed with facts and research, you will find that marriage is far from an outdated institution. Marriage continues to provide profound benefits to individuals, children, and society at large. A wealth of research, studies, and statistics consistently support the idea that marriage enhances well-being across several emotional, financial, and social dimensions. Marriage is good for individuals, children, and society.

1. Emotional and Psychological Benefits

Marriage is associated with greater emotional and psychological stability for both spouses. Numerous studies show that married individuals report higher levels of life satisfaction and lower rates of depression compared to their unmarried counterparts. According to a Journal of Marriage and Family study, married adults experience lower levels of psychological distress and report more feelings of emotional support and companionship than single or cohabiting individuals. Marriage often creates a secure foundation where partners feel more committed, supported, and emotionally fulfilled.

2. Benefits for Children

One of marriage’s most compelling arguments is its positive impact on children. Children raised by married parents tend to have better academic outcomes, emotional health, and social stability. Research from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth reveals that children raised in two-parent married households are more likely to graduate from high school, attend college, and avoid delinquent behaviors. Stable family environments provided by married parents help children develop secure attachments, fostering better emotional and cognitive development.

Furthermore, studies show that children raised in married families have a lower risk of experiencing poverty. According to research by the Brookings Institution, children in two-parent households are more likely to experience economic stability due to the pooling of resources, which can lead to better educational and life opportunities.

3. Economic and Financial Advantages

Marriage also contributes to greater financial stability and wealth accumulation for individuals and families. Married couples benefit from shared financial resources, which results in higher household income and greater economic resilience. A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that married couples build more wealth over time than unmarried couples, largely due to economies of scale and the ability to plan long-term together. These financial benefits extend to retirement savings and home ownership, as well.

4. Health Benefits

Marriage has well-documented health advantages. Married individuals tend to live longer and experience better physical health compared to those who are single or cohabiting. Research published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior indicates that marriage leads to lower rates of cardiovascular disease, fewer hospital visits, and better health behaviors such as reduced smoking and excessive drinking. The emotional support inherent in a committed relationship can reduce stress, contributing to overall well-being and longevity.

5. Societal Stability

Marriage also plays a crucial role in societal stability. Strong families are the bedrock of stable communities, fostering responsible citizens and creating environments conducive to civic engagement. According to sociologists at the Institute for Family Studies, areas with higher rates of marriage report lower crime rates, better educational outcomes, and higher levels of community involvement. Married couples are more likely to invest in their neighborhoods, contribute to local economies, and participate in civic organizations, thus enhancing social cohesion.

6. Commitment and Long-Term Stability

While some argue that cohabitation or alternative forms of relationships provide similar benefits, research suggests that the legal and social commitment of marriage provides a unique stability. Married couples are more likely to stay together in the long term, and children raised in these environments benefit from consistency and stability. A study from the American Sociological Review found that cohabiting couples are more likely to break up than married couples, even when children are involved, leading to increased instability and emotional stress for children.

7. Marriage and Life Satisfaction

Finally, studies have shown that marriage continues to correlate with greater life satisfaction, especially in later life. Research by Harvard’s School of Public Health shows that those who are married or in long-term partnerships enjoy better mental health in their senior years, with lower rates of depression and loneliness compared to unmarried individuals. The long-term support and companionship marriage provides help sustain emotional well-being throughout life.

8. Intergenerational Impact

Marriage creates a foundation for positive intergenerational benefits. Research has shown that children raised in married households are more likely to form stable marriages themselves, perpetuating a cycle of familial and societal stability. The National Marriage Project highlights how marriage fosters a healthy family legacy where values such as responsibility, commitment, and mutual respect are passed down through generations.

9. Legal and Social Protections

Marriage offers legal and social protections that informal relationships do not. Married couples benefit from a host of legal rights, including inheritance, medical decision-making authority, and tax advantages. These protections help safeguard spouses in difficult times, ensuring that one partner is not left vulnerable in the event of illness, death, or financial difficulty. Moreover, these legal structures promote long-term planning and shared responsibility, fostering greater stability.

10. Marriage as a Catalyst for Personal Growth

Marriage often encourages personal development and maturity. The commitment required in a marriage necessitates communication, compromise, and conflict resolution skills — qualities that are transferable to other aspects of life. According to research published in Psychological Science, married individuals often report greater self-control and emotional regulation. This personal growth benefits not only the marriage but also work, friendships, and community involvement.

11. Marriage as a Foundation for Social Networks

Married individuals often have broader and stronger social networks. The support of a spouse’s family and friends expands one’s social circle, leading to greater opportunities for community involvement and mutual support. Studies have shown that these extended social networks contribute to higher life satisfaction and better mental health, offering resources in times of stress and creating a more connected society overall.

Key Takeaways

When viewed through the lens of these multifaceted benefits, it’s clear that marriage is much more than a personal commitment — it is also a vital social institution that promotes stability, economic security, health, and well-being for both individuals and the broader society. Far from being outdated, marriage is a pillar of social cohesion, fostering intergenerational benefits, personal growth, and legal protections that alternative arrangements may lack. Ultimately, marriage provides a foundation upon which individuals, families, and communities can thrive, reinforcing its continued importance in modern society.

References

Here are references for the studies, research, and statistics mentioned in the argument for marriage’s continued relevance and benefits:

1. Emotional and Psychological Benefits

• Amato, P. R. (2010). Research on divorce: Continuing trends and new developments. Journal of Marriage and Family, 72(3), 650–666.
• Proulx, C. M., Helms, H. M., & Buehler, C. (2007). Marital quality and personal well-being: A meta-analysis. Journal of Marriage and Family, 69(3), 576–593.

2. Benefits for Children

• McLanahan, S., & Sandefur, G. (1994). Growing up with a single parent: What hurts, what helps. Harvard University Press.
• Brown, S. L. (2010). Marriage and child well-being: Research and policy perspectives. Journal of Marriage and Family, 72(5), 1059–1077.
• Sawhill, I. V., & Haskins, R. (2003). The Brookings Institution. The future of marriage. Source link: https://www.brookings.edu

3. Economic and Financial Advantages

• Lupton, J. P., & Smith, J. P. (2003). Marriage, assets, and savings. In Marriage and the Economy: Theory and Evidence from Advanced Industrial Societies (pp. 129–152). Cambridge University Press.
• Zagorsky, J. L. (2005). Marriage and divorce’s impact on wealth. Journal of Sociology, 41(4), 406–424.

4. Health Benefits

• Waite, L. J., & Gallagher, M. (2000). The Case for Marriage: Why Married People Are Happier, Healthier, and Better Off Financially. Broadway Books.
• Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K., & Newton, T. L. (2001). Marriage and health: His and hers. Psychological Bulletin, 127(4), 472–503.
• Williams, K., & Umberson, D. (2004). Marital status, marital transitions, and health: A gendered life course perspective. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 45(1), 81–98.

5. Societal Stability

• Wilcox, W. B., & Marquardt, E. (2010). When Marriage Disappears: The Retreat from Marriage in Middle America. The National Marriage Project, University of Virginia. Source link: https://ifstudies.org/reports/when-marriage-disappears
• Lerman, R. I. (2002). The Economic Benefits of Marriage. Institute for Family Studies.

6. Commitment and Long-Term Stability

• Tach, L., Mincy, R., & Edin, K. (2010). Parenting as a “package deal”: Relationships, fertility, and nonresident father involvement among unmarried parents. Demography, 47(1), 181–204.
• Bumpass, L. L., & Lu, H.-H. (2000). Trends in cohabitation and implications for children’s family contexts in the U.S. Population Studies, 54(1), 29–41.

7. Marriage and Life Satisfaction

• Robles, T. F., Slatcher, R. B., Trombello, J. M., & McGinn, M. M. (2014). Marital quality and health: A meta-analytic review. Psychological Bulletin, 140(1), 140–187.
• Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (2017). Marriage and mental health benefits. Source link: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu

8. Intergenerational Impact

• Wilcox, W. B. (2011). Why Marriage Matters: Thirty Conclusions from the Social Sciences. Institute for American Values.

9. Legal and Social Protections

• Kohm, L. M. (2007). The two become one flesh: Law and marriage. Campbell Law Review, 30, 429–466.
• Brown, S. L., & Lin, I.-F. (2012). The gray divorce revolution: Rising divorce among middle-aged and older adults, 1990–2010. The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, 67(6), 731–741.

10. Marriage as a Catalyst for Personal Growth

• Finkel, E. J., Hui, C. M., Carswell, K. L., & Larson, G. M. (2014). The suffocation of marriage: Climbing Mount Maslow without enough oxygen. Psychological Inquiry, 25(1), 1–41.
• Baumeister, R. F., & Vohs, K. D. (2004). Self-regulation and the executive function of marriage. Psychological Science, 15(1), 1–5.

11. Marriage as a Foundation for Social Networks

• Umberson, D., & Montez, J. K. (2010). Social relationships and health: A flashpoint for health policy. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 51(1), S54–S66.
• Coombs, R. H. (1991). Marital status and personal well-being: A literature review. Family Relations, 40(1), 97–102.

Recovering From Infidelity

If you have experienced infidelity-induced trauma caused by the emotional and sexual betrayal of your spouse, there is hope! If you are a child affected by parental infidelity, there is hope! If you are a spouse who has betrayed the trust, love, and fidelity, there is hope! We recommend that you seek support through professional counseling and therapy as well as through groups dedicated to supporting you through this traumatic journey. You are not alone and recovery and healing are possible!

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About CHADIE Foundation

The CHADIE Foundation (Children are Harmed by Adultery, Divorce, Infidelity, and related Emotional trauma), helps spouses, partners, and children who adultery, affairs, and infidelity have negatively impacted. To learn more about CHADIE and how you can help, please email us at support@chadie.org or visit us at CHADIE.org.