Starting a career, paying off student loans, and buying a house are all momentous occasions on the journey to American adulthood. While many young men and women still achieve these milestones, tying the knot and settling down are events increasingly avoided on young Americans’ path toward maturity. The increase in the average age at first marriage and the steep drop in the national marriage rate over the past four decades demonstrate the declining view of matrimony among 21st-century young people. Americans are increasingly choosing the loose bonds of cohabitation to …
February 7-14, 2012 is National Marriage Week. During this week, a series of blogs explores the latest trends in marriage and their implications for adults, children, and society. Though “Americans believe overwhelmingly in the importance of marriage,” for decades now, marriage has been steadily declining. Marriage. Americans have become less likely to marry. In 1960, about two in three adults were married, compared to one in two adults today. This is partly because Americans are marrying later. Since 1970, the median age for first marriage has increased by more than …
While divorce at any age comes with potentially negative effects, according to new research from Michigan State University, divorce at a younger age can hurt people’s health more than divorce that occurs later in life. In fact—given that younger couples are also more likely to have children living at home—the negative impact of divorce within this age cohort can go far beyond the health of the couple. Decades of research provide evidence that children living with both parents fare better in virtually every aspect of well-being. As research on Heritage’s …
The benefits of marriage are numerous: from increasing financial health to promoting child well-being, tying the knot can have a profound impact on individuals’ futures. According to a new survey, Americans overwhelmingly recognize the value of marriage to advancing society. (Article continued below chart) A new Rasmussen poll released this week shows that more than three in four Americans consider marriage an important societal institution. According to the survey, 78 percent of American adults say matrimony is at least “somewhat important” to society, including 60 percent who rate marriage as …
The benefits of marriage are numerous, with advantages extending across social and economic situations. Marriage even positively affects married individuals’ health. From decreasing depression to lowering mortality risk and reducing smoking habits—areas where policy remedies are sought but ill-suited to the need—marriage provides a civil-society inoculation far more effective than government intervention. Tying the knot can also guard against heavy alcohol use, with decreased rates of binge drinking among married individuals. Marriage’s effect on drinking habits may be especially important in light of a recent government report showing increased binge …
High-quality social science research shows that marriage is associated with a number of health benefits. Studies indicate a strong link between marriage and mental health, in particular depressive symptoms. Marriage can both affect and be affected by psychological well-being, through, for example, greater emotional and social support as well as personal connection. Alternatively, it may be that less-depressed individuals are more likely to marry and remain married. Thus, to discern the true effect of marriage on mental health, research must account for the possibility of a “selection effect.” One method …
Despite the increasing effort to strike “Christmas” from our common vocabulary, 91 percent of Americans say that they personally celebrate the holiday, according to a LifeWay Research poll. While it’s not surprising that almost all self-identified Christians (97 percent) celebrate Christmas, 89 percent of agnostics or those with no religious preference, 62 percent of non-Christian faiths, and even 55 percent of atheists do so as well. Much of this may be explained by the fact that, although the majority of Americans recognize the religious source of Christmas, Christmastime activities tend …
How does marriage fare as the nation heads into the new year? Unfortunately, the most recent government data indicate that U.S. marriage rates are at an all-time low. Today, a little more than half of all Americans are currently married, compared to more than 70 percent five decades ago. Additionally, the age at first marriage among both men and women is at historic highs. Related to these trends, the unwed birthrate is also at a historic high (more than 40 percent). On the bright side, however, the research indicates that …
Amidst the bustle of shopping for gifts, baking cookies, and wrapping presents, many Americans will celebrate this holiday season at places of worship, expressing their thanks for the blessings of another year. The religious practice and belief of Americans at the holidays and year-round signal good news for civil society and limited government. Decades of sociological research provide evidence of the connection between religious practice and a strong and vibrant civil society. As new charts on FamilyFacts.org demonstrate, individuals who frequently attend religious services are more likely to donate to …
FamilyFacts.org has increasingly become a trusted hub for policymakers and researchers searching out the latest charts and social science research on family, religion, and community issues. One factor spurring this growth is an informative short feature now airing on more than 370 radio stations nationwide, also called Family Facts. Marriage and Poverty As Heritage’s Family & Religion Initiative has revealed through original research, strong marriages and intact families are connected to thriving communities in endless ways. These facts are reliable. As on the popular website FamilyFacts.org, the radio feature cites …
