Falling marriage rates in the US have opened an economic divide, with married households tending to be better off financially. Data shows the percentage of married households has fallen to 50.5% in 2012 from 72% in 1960, and the decline has been steeper among the less educated. Studies find married people have more income, wealth and savings than unmarried people. Interviews with a married man and unmarried woman illustrate how marriage provides a financial cushion and makes saving easier. Experts warn of a risk of growing economic inequality if marriage rates continue declining, especially among less-educated groups.
The document discusses recent trends showing a decline in marriage in the US. It summarizes research demonstrating that children tend to have better outcomes when raised by continuously married parents compared to children of divorced or unmarried parents. The document urges finding ways to promote the importance of stable family structures and marriage through education, media choices, and civic discussions in order to improve children's well-being and society overall.
Chapter 11 - The Joy and Responsibility of Parenting v2Mercedes Gonzalez
This lesson will:
• Show the value of living in 3-generational families.
• Use published, peer-reviewed, sociological studies to demonstrate some of the significant and positive results of the intact married family structure.
• Point out that the primary responsibilities of the leaders of government, religion and culture are to prepare young people for family-building, i.e. for marriage and parenting.
Work is a social institution that is not gender neutral. It is often understood as a masculine institution where work and career are central to male identity. There are expectations that men will work full-time to support their families financially. In contrast, women face greater stigma if they work full-time and must rely on childcare instead of caring for children themselves. Women also tend to work in lower paying "pink collar" jobs and face an unexplained wage gap compared to men even when controlling for factors like occupation and experience. Research has shown organizational structures are not gender neutral and help reproduce unequal treatment and cultural perceptions of gender that constrain women's opportunities and advancement.
KAFKAS ÜNİVERSİTESİ/KAFKAS UNIVERSITY
SOCIOLOGY
Course
LECTURE NOTES AND POWER POINT PRESENTATIONS
Prof.Dr. Halit Hami ÖZ
Kars, TURKEY
hamioz@yahoo.com
Work is a social institution that is not gender neutral. Certain types of work and expectations of work differ between sexes. Work is often understood as a masculine institution, where a man's identity and status is tied to his employment, while women face greater stigma if they work rather than care for family. There are also wage gaps between men and women, with women earning less even with similar qualifications and experience. Organizational structures are often not gender neutral and can disadvantage women through issues like segregation of work and unequal pay and status.
The document discusses several reasons for changes in families and childhood over time:
1. Improved living standards like better housing, nutrition, and healthcare have increased life expectancy and decreased infant mortality rates.
2. Women now have greater educational and career opportunities, making them less dependent on men financially. This has led to smaller families and more divorce.
3. Attitudes toward marriage and gender roles have become more liberal, encouraging alternatives like cohabitation and more equal division of domestic labor between couples.
4. Government policies on education, welfare, and child labor have made children an economic liability for longer, incentivizing smaller family sizes focused on quality over quantity of children.
This document discusses gay marriage as a social issue and argues for its legalization. It summarizes that gay marriage has become a widely debated topic that affects society on personal, national, and global levels. The author believes gay marriage should be legalized based on liberal principles of equal treatment. Legalizing gay marriage would benefit the psychological health of gay couples and increase acceptance in society, while continuing the ban would further social divisions and cause harm. Overall the tide is slowly shifting towards broader acceptance of gay marriage.
The document discusses marriage, cohabitation, and divorce trends in the UK. It notes that marriage rates have declined from 459,000 in 1971 to 350,000 in 1991, while divorce rates more than doubled in that period. Alternatives to marriage like cohabitation and single-person households have risen. Threats to marriage come from these alternatives and from marital breakdown through divorce, separation, or empty shell marriages. Reasons proposed for rising divorce include expecting more from marriage, increased conflict between spouses, emphasis on individual freedom and choice, and divorce being less stigmatized and easier to obtain legally.
The document discusses recent trends showing a decline in marriage in the US. It summarizes research demonstrating that children tend to have better outcomes when raised by continuously married parents compared to children of divorced or unmarried parents. The document urges finding ways to promote the importance of stable family structures and marriage through education, media choices, and civic discussions in order to improve children's well-being and society overall.
Chapter 11 - The Joy and Responsibility of Parenting v2Mercedes Gonzalez
This lesson will:
• Show the value of living in 3-generational families.
• Use published, peer-reviewed, sociological studies to demonstrate some of the significant and positive results of the intact married family structure.
• Point out that the primary responsibilities of the leaders of government, religion and culture are to prepare young people for family-building, i.e. for marriage and parenting.
Work is a social institution that is not gender neutral. It is often understood as a masculine institution where work and career are central to male identity. There are expectations that men will work full-time to support their families financially. In contrast, women face greater stigma if they work full-time and must rely on childcare instead of caring for children themselves. Women also tend to work in lower paying "pink collar" jobs and face an unexplained wage gap compared to men even when controlling for factors like occupation and experience. Research has shown organizational structures are not gender neutral and help reproduce unequal treatment and cultural perceptions of gender that constrain women's opportunities and advancement.
KAFKAS ÜNİVERSİTESİ/KAFKAS UNIVERSITY
SOCIOLOGY
Course
LECTURE NOTES AND POWER POINT PRESENTATIONS
Prof.Dr. Halit Hami ÖZ
Kars, TURKEY
hamioz@yahoo.com
Work is a social institution that is not gender neutral. Certain types of work and expectations of work differ between sexes. Work is often understood as a masculine institution, where a man's identity and status is tied to his employment, while women face greater stigma if they work rather than care for family. There are also wage gaps between men and women, with women earning less even with similar qualifications and experience. Organizational structures are often not gender neutral and can disadvantage women through issues like segregation of work and unequal pay and status.
The document discusses several reasons for changes in families and childhood over time:
1. Improved living standards like better housing, nutrition, and healthcare have increased life expectancy and decreased infant mortality rates.
2. Women now have greater educational and career opportunities, making them less dependent on men financially. This has led to smaller families and more divorce.
3. Attitudes toward marriage and gender roles have become more liberal, encouraging alternatives like cohabitation and more equal division of domestic labor between couples.
4. Government policies on education, welfare, and child labor have made children an economic liability for longer, incentivizing smaller family sizes focused on quality over quantity of children.
This document discusses gay marriage as a social issue and argues for its legalization. It summarizes that gay marriage has become a widely debated topic that affects society on personal, national, and global levels. The author believes gay marriage should be legalized based on liberal principles of equal treatment. Legalizing gay marriage would benefit the psychological health of gay couples and increase acceptance in society, while continuing the ban would further social divisions and cause harm. Overall the tide is slowly shifting towards broader acceptance of gay marriage.
The document discusses marriage, cohabitation, and divorce trends in the UK. It notes that marriage rates have declined from 459,000 in 1971 to 350,000 in 1991, while divorce rates more than doubled in that period. Alternatives to marriage like cohabitation and single-person households have risen. Threats to marriage come from these alternatives and from marital breakdown through divorce, separation, or empty shell marriages. Reasons proposed for rising divorce include expecting more from marriage, increased conflict between spouses, emphasis on individual freedom and choice, and divorce being less stigmatized and easier to obtain legally.
The document discusses views on marriage from various perspectives, including:
- Interviews with married couples that indicate being married does not necessarily improve financial situations or prevent poverty. Education is suggested as a better way to reduce poverty.
- Christian views that see marriage as a sacred union rather than a tool for helping the impoverished, and suggest teaching biblical principles for handling finances and life challenges.
- Scholarly works that argue promoting marriage through incentives secularizes the institution rather than addressing root issues through scripture.
This paper examines factors that contribute to delinquency or deterrence among high school dropouts. It identifies common characteristics of delinquent dropouts, such as coming from low-income single-parent homes, living in impoverished environments, and having mental health issues. Conversely, dropouts deterred from crime often have commitments to legitimate institutions like work or family that replace school. The paper argues that increasing graduation rates and access to after-school programs could help deter crime and save billions annually spent on the juvenile justice system.
Divorce Statistics in Oregon and the Rest Of The United StatesGoldberg Jones
Breaking down the statistics surrounding divorce in Oregon, as well as the rest of the country, paints an intriguing picture of marriage in the United States.
The document discusses how the divorce rate among middle-aged and older adults in the U.S. doubled between 1990 and 2010 based on an analysis of 1990 vital statistics data and 2010 census data. It finds that roughly 1 in 4 divorces in 2010 occurred among those ages 50 and older. The study also examines sociodemographic factors associated with divorce risk in 2010, finding higher rates for those in remarriages versus first marriages, and lower rates as marital duration increased.
1) Several factors were found to correlate with higher future wealth and earnings, including physical attractiveness, high school popularity, height, intelligence (though this did not necessarily translate to financial skills), education level, marriage and staying married, drinking socially (in moderation), certain college majors like engineering, lower weight/BMI, Russian ancestry, real estate investment at a young age, blond hair, not smoking, being born into a wealthy family and obtaining a college degree.
2) Conversely, divorce, obesity, degrees in fields like art history and degrees from less prestigious universities were found to correlate with lower future earnings.
3) While intelligence and skills are rewarded financially, other "soft" social factors can also
This document discusses divorce and the need for divorce reform legislation. It provides background on divorce rates in the US being the highest in the world despite high levels of religious affiliation. It notes several negative impacts of divorce on children including higher rates of emotional, behavioral and physical abuse problems. The document also discusses the taxpayer costs of divorce being at least $112 billion annually when factoring programs like welfare, Medicaid and more. Overall it argues divorce reform is needed to help reduce the harms and costs of divorce to families and society.
This study examines the rise in divorce rates among middle-aged and older adults between 1990 and 2010 in the United States. The authors find that the divorce rate for those aged 50 and older doubled over this period. Approximately one in four divorces in 2010 occurred among those aged 50 and older. Characteristics like being in a remarriage rather than a first marriage, shorter marital duration, and fewer economic resources were associated with a higher risk of divorce for this age group in 2010. The findings suggest that gerontological research needs to consider divorce as an important aspect of marital dissolution among older adults.
(1) The conventional model of a family consists of a husband, wife and children, but competitive models are rising with single-parent households and unmarried couples.
(2) Marriage is still relevant in modern society as it provides a stable platform to raise children and ensures the continuation of society. However, the definition of marriage is being redefined with the legalization of same-sex marriage in some places.
(3) While factors like increased women in the workforce have led to fewer marriages, marriage is still important culturally and the majority of people still choose to marry. The efforts to legalize same-sex marriage also shows the continued relevance of marriage.
Aging in community the communitarian alternative to aging in place, alone (...Lília Pinto
This document summarizes the challenges of aging alone at home for many middle-income baby boomers. It discusses how average life expectancy has increased dramatically, leaving many living decades longer than expected but often without adequate support systems or homes designed for aging. Grassroots organizations are emerging that emphasize community support for aging, providing social connection and assistance. These "aging in community" models aim to enhance quality of life and allow independent living. However, many baby boomers face financial insecurity due to economic factors like the recession, as well as rising healthcare and long-term care costs, changing family structures, and the inability to afford private long-term care options.
The divorce rate in Britain increased dramatically in the latter half of the 20th century. The number of divorces rose from 27,000 in 1961 to around 167,000 by 2005. About 40% of new marriages today are likely to end in divorce. This rising divorce rate can be attributed to two broad reasons: changes in laws that made divorce easier and cheaper to obtain, and changes in society that made divorce a more acceptable way to end unhappy marriages.
The document discusses a debate around same-sex marriage. It argues that allowing same-sex marriage would fundamentally change the traditional definition of marriage and could lead to further attempts to broaden the definition, such as allowing polygamous marriages. It asserts that marriage is based on the complementary nature of men and women and that redefining it could have negative social consequences.
The document provides an overview of relationships and communication in several areas:
1. It discusses the ABCs of relationships - attraction, building, continuation, deterioration, and ending. Factors that influence each stage are explained.
2. Marriage is examined, including historical reasons for marriage, who people typically marry, clarifying expectations, and factors in marital satisfaction. Extramarital affairs, gender differences, and domestic violence are also covered.
3. Divorce rates over time are reviewed along with reasons for the rise in divorce and the costs of divorce, especially for children. Dating after divorce is briefly addressed.
4. Singlehood as an increasing lifestyle is noted, with contributing factors like postpon
The family unit which is meant to be a haven of everything good has in resent times been bedeviled by crisis that rock its very roots. So true has the word proven to be "Those who live in glass house don't throw stones.
Long-term unemployment is having ripple effects throughout the community of Roswell, Georgia. The waiting list for subsidized housing has grown to 500 families from 40 previously. The number of children eligible for free or reduced lunch has increased 50%. A church began marriage seminars for couples struggling with job losses over a year ago. Unemployment has persisted in the region, with about 40% of the unemployed in the Atlanta metro area being out of work for over a year in 2010 compared to the national average of 29%. Long-term unemployment is affecting individuals, families, local governments and organizations that are unaccustomed to dealing with its impacts.
This document discusses sex education policies in the U.S. and their outcomes. It argues that abstinence-only education has been ineffective and the U.S. has high teen pregnancy and STI rates compared to other developed nations. Comprehensive sex education that includes contraceptive information has been shown to be more effective. The document advocates amending policies to incentivize comprehensive sex education in schools based on its benefits seen in other countries.
This document discusses a study analyzing the relationship between gender equality in education and economic growth across 127 countries from 2000-2010. The study uses panel regressions to explore whether increasing the ratio of girls to boys enrolled in various levels of education contributes positively to economic growth. The results support a positive association between reducing the gender gap in education and economic growth. The document provides background on reasons for gender inequality in education and theoretical channels through which gender equality could impact economic growth, such as increasing overall human capital productivity and lowering fertility rates.
The document discusses various topics related to marriage, divorce, and annulment. It provides information on:
- Common reasons people get married and the legal aspects of marriage
- Celebrities' prenuptial agreements, including specific details on Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, Denise Richards and Charlie Sheen, and Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom's prenups
- Grounds for annulment such as fraud, coercion, mental incapacity, and physical incapacity
- Divorce statistics including rates of divorce for first, second, and third marriages
- Factors considered in property division and alimony decisions during a divorce
Baby boomers are increasingly getting divorced after age 50, known as "gray divorces". A survey found 61% of American divorce lawyers have seen an increase in such divorces. Nearly a quarter of gray divorces were initiated by wives, compared to 14% by husbands. Experts attribute the rise to factors like longer lifespans, empty nests, diverging interests in retirement, and a greater sense of financial independence among women. Many boomers feel that if their marriage is unhappy, they no longer want to stick it out for the rest of their lives.
The document discusses views on marriage from various perspectives, including:
- Interviews with married couples that indicate being married does not necessarily improve financial situations or prevent poverty. Education is suggested as a better way to reduce poverty.
- Christian views that see marriage as a sacred union rather than a tool for helping the impoverished, and suggest teaching biblical principles for handling finances and life challenges.
- Scholarly works that argue promoting marriage through incentives secularizes the institution rather than addressing root issues through scripture.
This paper examines factors that contribute to delinquency or deterrence among high school dropouts. It identifies common characteristics of delinquent dropouts, such as coming from low-income single-parent homes, living in impoverished environments, and having mental health issues. Conversely, dropouts deterred from crime often have commitments to legitimate institutions like work or family that replace school. The paper argues that increasing graduation rates and access to after-school programs could help deter crime and save billions annually spent on the juvenile justice system.
Divorce Statistics in Oregon and the Rest Of The United StatesGoldberg Jones
Breaking down the statistics surrounding divorce in Oregon, as well as the rest of the country, paints an intriguing picture of marriage in the United States.
The document discusses how the divorce rate among middle-aged and older adults in the U.S. doubled between 1990 and 2010 based on an analysis of 1990 vital statistics data and 2010 census data. It finds that roughly 1 in 4 divorces in 2010 occurred among those ages 50 and older. The study also examines sociodemographic factors associated with divorce risk in 2010, finding higher rates for those in remarriages versus first marriages, and lower rates as marital duration increased.
1) Several factors were found to correlate with higher future wealth and earnings, including physical attractiveness, high school popularity, height, intelligence (though this did not necessarily translate to financial skills), education level, marriage and staying married, drinking socially (in moderation), certain college majors like engineering, lower weight/BMI, Russian ancestry, real estate investment at a young age, blond hair, not smoking, being born into a wealthy family and obtaining a college degree.
2) Conversely, divorce, obesity, degrees in fields like art history and degrees from less prestigious universities were found to correlate with lower future earnings.
3) While intelligence and skills are rewarded financially, other "soft" social factors can also
This document discusses divorce and the need for divorce reform legislation. It provides background on divorce rates in the US being the highest in the world despite high levels of religious affiliation. It notes several negative impacts of divorce on children including higher rates of emotional, behavioral and physical abuse problems. The document also discusses the taxpayer costs of divorce being at least $112 billion annually when factoring programs like welfare, Medicaid and more. Overall it argues divorce reform is needed to help reduce the harms and costs of divorce to families and society.
This study examines the rise in divorce rates among middle-aged and older adults between 1990 and 2010 in the United States. The authors find that the divorce rate for those aged 50 and older doubled over this period. Approximately one in four divorces in 2010 occurred among those aged 50 and older. Characteristics like being in a remarriage rather than a first marriage, shorter marital duration, and fewer economic resources were associated with a higher risk of divorce for this age group in 2010. The findings suggest that gerontological research needs to consider divorce as an important aspect of marital dissolution among older adults.
(1) The conventional model of a family consists of a husband, wife and children, but competitive models are rising with single-parent households and unmarried couples.
(2) Marriage is still relevant in modern society as it provides a stable platform to raise children and ensures the continuation of society. However, the definition of marriage is being redefined with the legalization of same-sex marriage in some places.
(3) While factors like increased women in the workforce have led to fewer marriages, marriage is still important culturally and the majority of people still choose to marry. The efforts to legalize same-sex marriage also shows the continued relevance of marriage.
Aging in community the communitarian alternative to aging in place, alone (...Lília Pinto
This document summarizes the challenges of aging alone at home for many middle-income baby boomers. It discusses how average life expectancy has increased dramatically, leaving many living decades longer than expected but often without adequate support systems or homes designed for aging. Grassroots organizations are emerging that emphasize community support for aging, providing social connection and assistance. These "aging in community" models aim to enhance quality of life and allow independent living. However, many baby boomers face financial insecurity due to economic factors like the recession, as well as rising healthcare and long-term care costs, changing family structures, and the inability to afford private long-term care options.
The divorce rate in Britain increased dramatically in the latter half of the 20th century. The number of divorces rose from 27,000 in 1961 to around 167,000 by 2005. About 40% of new marriages today are likely to end in divorce. This rising divorce rate can be attributed to two broad reasons: changes in laws that made divorce easier and cheaper to obtain, and changes in society that made divorce a more acceptable way to end unhappy marriages.
The document discusses a debate around same-sex marriage. It argues that allowing same-sex marriage would fundamentally change the traditional definition of marriage and could lead to further attempts to broaden the definition, such as allowing polygamous marriages. It asserts that marriage is based on the complementary nature of men and women and that redefining it could have negative social consequences.
The document provides an overview of relationships and communication in several areas:
1. It discusses the ABCs of relationships - attraction, building, continuation, deterioration, and ending. Factors that influence each stage are explained.
2. Marriage is examined, including historical reasons for marriage, who people typically marry, clarifying expectations, and factors in marital satisfaction. Extramarital affairs, gender differences, and domestic violence are also covered.
3. Divorce rates over time are reviewed along with reasons for the rise in divorce and the costs of divorce, especially for children. Dating after divorce is briefly addressed.
4. Singlehood as an increasing lifestyle is noted, with contributing factors like postpon
The family unit which is meant to be a haven of everything good has in resent times been bedeviled by crisis that rock its very roots. So true has the word proven to be "Those who live in glass house don't throw stones.
Long-term unemployment is having ripple effects throughout the community of Roswell, Georgia. The waiting list for subsidized housing has grown to 500 families from 40 previously. The number of children eligible for free or reduced lunch has increased 50%. A church began marriage seminars for couples struggling with job losses over a year ago. Unemployment has persisted in the region, with about 40% of the unemployed in the Atlanta metro area being out of work for over a year in 2010 compared to the national average of 29%. Long-term unemployment is affecting individuals, families, local governments and organizations that are unaccustomed to dealing with its impacts.
This document discusses sex education policies in the U.S. and their outcomes. It argues that abstinence-only education has been ineffective and the U.S. has high teen pregnancy and STI rates compared to other developed nations. Comprehensive sex education that includes contraceptive information has been shown to be more effective. The document advocates amending policies to incentivize comprehensive sex education in schools based on its benefits seen in other countries.
This document discusses a study analyzing the relationship between gender equality in education and economic growth across 127 countries from 2000-2010. The study uses panel regressions to explore whether increasing the ratio of girls to boys enrolled in various levels of education contributes positively to economic growth. The results support a positive association between reducing the gender gap in education and economic growth. The document provides background on reasons for gender inequality in education and theoretical channels through which gender equality could impact economic growth, such as increasing overall human capital productivity and lowering fertility rates.
The document discusses various topics related to marriage, divorce, and annulment. It provides information on:
- Common reasons people get married and the legal aspects of marriage
- Celebrities' prenuptial agreements, including specific details on Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, Denise Richards and Charlie Sheen, and Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom's prenups
- Grounds for annulment such as fraud, coercion, mental incapacity, and physical incapacity
- Divorce statistics including rates of divorce for first, second, and third marriages
- Factors considered in property division and alimony decisions during a divorce
Baby boomers are increasingly getting divorced after age 50, known as "gray divorces". A survey found 61% of American divorce lawyers have seen an increase in such divorces. Nearly a quarter of gray divorces were initiated by wives, compared to 14% by husbands. Experts attribute the rise to factors like longer lifespans, empty nests, diverging interests in retirement, and a greater sense of financial independence among women. Many boomers feel that if their marriage is unhappy, they no longer want to stick it out for the rest of their lives.
Research married n unmarried parent hoodMyWritings
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COMS 254 Qualitative methods Literature ReviewMark Sinclair
This document summarizes a research paper on premarital cohabitation. It discusses three main themes from the literature:
1) Socioeconomic status - Lower income contributes to premarital cohabitation as it is often the only affordable housing option. Studies found cohabitating relationships with lower incomes face higher risks of instability.
2) Premarital cohabitation leads to the "cohabitation effect" - Research found cohabitating couples had poorer communication, more arguments, and less stability in marriage compared to non-cohabitating couples.
3) Childbearing and childrearing - Unmarried women are more likely to cohabitate and have children outside of marriage, especially those
This document summarizes an undergraduate thesis that examines attitudes toward cohabitation according to level of education. The thesis reviews literature showing that while cohabitation is increasing, research finds both increased marital stability and instability associated with cohabiting. It hypothesizes that more education correlates with more positive cohabitation views. The thesis will analyze data from the General Social Survey from 1994-2012, examining the relationship between attitudes, education levels, and years. It acknowledges limitations of using a quantitative study from restricted survey questions rather than qualitative research.
Marriage and family life in america sample essayPremium Essays
This document discusses marriage and family life in America. It notes that while marriage was once considered a sacred lifelong commitment, divorce is now very common in the US. The institution of marriage is crumbling with high divorce and cohabitation rates. Failed marriages present economic challenges for the government. Working long hours also negatively impacts family time and stability. While religion is linked to lower divorce rates, America has shorter waiting periods for divorce than other nations. Overall the essay examines the declining state of marriage in the US.
This document provides an overview of marriage and family structures. It begins by introducing a hypothetical couple, Christina and James, who are unsure about marriage. It then defines marriage and family from sociological perspectives. The document discusses variations in modern families like cohabitation and same-sex couples. It also covers challenges faced by families such as divorce and abuse. Finally, it examines topics like residency patterns and lines of descent between cultures.
This document discusses how legalizing same-sex marriage may negatively impact society by changing the definition of marriage. It argues that defining marriage only as a union between a man and woman directs appropriate social behavior, while making it more inclusive could decrease marriage rates and increase out-of-wedlock births. It also claims that legalizing same-sex marriage may reduce the importance placed on monogamy and financial obligations between spouses. Overall, the document contends that redefining marriage could undermine the traditional family structure and the social and financial benefits it provides.
The percentage of Americans choosing to marry is decreasing while the number who have never married is increasing. Reasons for this trend include changing social goals that now emphasize career and financial stability before marriage. Cohabitation is also on the rise as an alternative to marriage. Same-sex marriage was legally recognized in the US starting in the 1990s, further changing traditional concepts of family. These cultural shifts were influenced by long-term trends like more women in the workforce and education. Data shows marriage rates declined between 2009-2019 while cohabitation became more common. Surveys find cohabiting adults generally report lower relationship satisfaction than married couples. The impacts of declining marriage rates on future generations and society are unclear.
CommitmentsWomen and Intimate RelationshipsChapter .docxmonicafrancis71118
Commitments:
Women and Intimate Relationships
Chapter 8
WS 325
Dr. Thompson
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Marriage Social institutionRegulated byLawsReligion
Personal and Legal Contract
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Marriage Marriage is a way that society and/or religions regulate private relationships between couples, stipulating who can/cannot marryStrong patriarchal heritageWhite dress -Bride as PropertyName change -Mrs. (Mr’s)Women in industrialized countries are marrying laterHigher educationEconomics Experiences of independent living more likely, including premarital sex, cohabitationExposure to variety of viewpoints, opportunities, options and sense of self
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Who marries ? Characteristics of a potential mateWomen and men within the same culture often had similar preferencesMutual attraction and loveDependable characterEmotional stabilityPleasing dispositionAcross cultures, women were more likely to emphasize partner’s earning capacity and ambition, men more likely to emphasize good looks and physical attractivenessMarriage GradientWomen “marry up”, men “marry down”The tendency for women to marry men who are older, have higher prestige and income potentialDecreased in the U.S. as women gain access to educational opportunity and higher incomes
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Varieties of MarriageTraditional MarriageTraditional gender roles, both husband and wife agree husband has (and should have) ultimate authority in major decisions and control of moneyModern marriageModern wives are employed, but her job is viewed as less important than the husband’s. Modern wives do a second shift every day Egalitarian MarriagePost gender relationships: partners have moved beyond using gender to define their marital roles, equal power, authorityUnrecognized, Unauthorized MarriageIn the past, slave marriages, interracial marriages were illegal and unrecognizedAt this point in history, same-sex marriages are mostly unrecognized and unauthorized
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How adherence to gender roles can affect relationships between the sexes
Power in Marriage The Myth of EqualityRefuse to acknowledge traditional gender role socializationHusbands have final say in big decisions in most marriages (76%)Power comes from money and traditional beliefs
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Social Exchange Theory The theory says that the partner who brings greater outside resources to the relationship will have the greater influence within the relationship. Resources may include prestige, knowledge, money, education, or any other valued “currency.”The theory is based primarily on economic theory, but fails to acknowledge the powerful “symbolic” value of traditional gender rolesThe reality is that even in dual-career couples, a husband’s opinions still tend to carry more weight, and a wife’s employment may not give her equal power. Her career may be relegated to a supportive or secondary income, and may be viewed as undermining her “nurturing role”
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Marital SatisfactionMany studies about marital satisfaction over time show an in.
The effects of gray divorce on the financial health of couplesscampbell4567
BGSU professor, Susan Brown, says a gray divorce can affect the finances of former couples. The wealth of people getting divorced after age 50 tends to drop by about 50 percent. Experts do not find this surprising since divorce involves dividing a family’s resources.
Similar to Falling Marriage Rates Reveal Economic Fault Lines Yarrow 2.8.15 (13)
The effects of gray divorce on the financial health of couples
Falling Marriage Rates Reveal Economic Fault Lines Yarrow 2.8.15
1. Falling Marriage Rates Reveal Economic
Fault Lines
Feb. 8, 2015
By ANDREW L. YARROW
Tracking the long decline in married households in the United States.
CreditTaylor Goad
Will Valentine’s Day, always a popular moment for popping the
question, see fewer marriage proposals this year than in generations
past?
The age-old lesson about marriage that has been communicated by
parents everywhere(twoare stronger than one) is now brushing up
2. against a 21st-century reality: The percentage of married households
in the United States has fallen to a historic low.
Census data cited in a 2014 study by the Pew Research Center show
that the number of married households fell to 50.5 percent in 2012
from a high of about 72 percent in 1960.
Among the less well educated, the number of married households
has fallen even more. A 2011 study by Pew found that although 64
percent of college-educated Americans were married, fewer than 48
percent of those with some college or less were married. In 1960, the
report found, the two groups were about equally likely to be married.
This trend has opened up a yawning economic divide. Studies have
shown that married women and men tend to be much better off
financially than those who are unmarried, and that those who have
fewer assets and more debt early on are less likely to marry or have
stable marriages than those who are more financially secure.
Louis Ulmer and Tamara Deschaine, a married couple who live in Anchorage.
CreditChris Miller Photography
“There are relatively few relationships that are more fully
documented than those between economic well-being and marriage,”
said Ron Haskins, who is the author of many scholarly papers on
marriage and a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution in
Washington.
The connection between marriage and wealth is much more than
additive. A 2012 study by the National Bureau of Economic Research
found that the median 65-to-69-year-old married household had
3. almost 10 times as much in savings as the typical single-person
household: $111,600 compared with $12,500. “It’s a plain fact that
people who are married have more income, wealth and savings that
last into their retirement,” Mr. Haskins said.
There are many factors other than marital status that account for
wealth and poverty. But the experiences and outlooks of Louis
Ulmer, a 34-year-old married business-development manager in
Anchorage and Evette Ferguson, a never-married 48-year-old nurse
in Arlington, Tex., illustrate the separate and often unequal
economic realities faced by married and unmarried Americans.
When Mr. Ulmer, who works for the First National Bank of Alaska,
and Tamara Deschaine, 34, were wed three years ago, he wasn’t sure
if his marriage would make them better able to save.
But the words of a college economics professor are still fresh in his
mind. “He said, ‘The twomost important things in a person’s life are
their money and their family — in that order,’ ” Mr. Ulmer said.
“Twelve years out of college and into the real world, I’ve accepted the
truth: He was spot on. Being married gives us the desire to have
greater financial security and less debt.”
Ms. Ferguson, who works in Texas for Teva Pharmaceuticals, said,
“Maybe I would be more financially secure if I were married.”
Although she has a house and a pretty secure retirement in place, she
has debts, too. She sees how her married sister has been better able
to build up financial assets, even though her sister’s husband was
recently laid off. “They have a cushion I don’t have,” Ms. Ferguson
said. “I think she’s better off being married. She’s been able to save
more and doesn’t have to use all her money just to pay the bills, as I
do.”
“If I had someone else,” she said, “it would be easier.”
Jonathan Rauch, another fellow at the Brookings Institution and a
leader of the Marriage Opportunity Council, a new multi-institution
project, said, “Marriage is thriving among people with four-year
college diplomas, but the further down you go on the educational and
economic totem pole, the worse it’s doing.”
“There’s a growing danger that marriage, with all its advantages for
stability, income and child well-being, will look like a gated
community for the baccalaureate class, with ever-shrinking working-
class participation,” Mr. Rauch said. “We’re not there yet, but that’s
the trajectory we’re on.”
4. Evette Ferguson, a never-married 48-year-old nurse in Arlington, Tex.
In a nation that places a high value on personal freedom, it could be
tempting to wave away these concerns. The decision to go it alone
can be every bit as fulfilling and life-affirming as the decision to enter
into a marriage. Nevertheless, other data are signaling that for a
number of Americans, not marrying carries with it a risk of falling
behind economically.
Other research indicates that those who find themselves already
lower on the socioeconomic ladder may be less likely to ever marry. A
2012 study by the Brookings Institution found that only women in
the top 10 percent of Americans in earnings saw their marriage rates
increase between 1970 and 2011, whereas women in the bottom 65
percent in earnings had become much less likely to marry, with their
marriage rate declining by more than 20 percentage points. This was
also mirrored in the experiences of men in the study.
Marriage is about as good a predictor of economic success as are
education, race and ethnicity, according to a 2014 study by Robert
Lerman at the Urban Institute, and W. Bradford Wilcox, director of
the National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia.
In their analysis of census and Bureau of Labor Statistics data, they
concluded that if married households today equaled the numbers
seen in 1980, “the growth in median income of families with children
would be 44 percent higher.”
The study also found a link between the decline in the number of
Americans “who form and maintain stable, married families” and the
growth in income inequality.
5. As united as social scientists appear to be about the strong
correlation between marriage and higher net worth, a good many of
them part company over whether greater marital wealth results from
having the skills and propensity to work hard, save, stay out of debt
and also seek out and marry those with the same attributes — versus
those who start down the same road having low wages, little in
savings and less education and as such may find it harder to find and
maintain stable marriages.
“Married men are more likely to work, make more money and not
engage in dangerous behaviors like drunken driving and committing
crimes,” Mr. Haskins contends.
For women coming of age in an era when their own educational and
career prospects are brighter than ever, hitching their star to
someone with high personal debts or negligible savings — or both —
seems to have become unappealing.
In 2013, the economist David H. Autor and Melanie Wasserman, a
graduate student at M.I.T., found that, “Sharp declines in the earning
power of non-college males combined with the economic self-
sufficiency of women — rising educational attainment, falling gender
gap and greater female control over fertility choices — have reduced
the economic value of marriage for women.”
Doug and Twila Sutherland, who've been married nearly 69 years.
Daniel Schwartzman, a 25-year-old community college student who
lives in a group house in Albuquerque, N.M., wishes to marry but
said he would not date anyone who was not financially secure. “If a
6. woman had big car loans,student loans and other debt, and didn’t
have a job, I would rule her out,” he said.
Money is an issue that persists for a number of his friends who he
said have put off marriage because of lack of savings. “They want
their partner to be responsible and not dragging them down
financially,” he said. “A lot of couples move in with their parents,
because everyone is just trying to survive on minimum-wage jobs.”
Married same-sex couples tend to be more financially secure than
single gay Americans, said Ineke Mushovic, the executive director of
the Movement Advancement Project in Denver, a policy research
organization focusing on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
issues. Poverty rates for gay men and lesbians living alone are more
than 20 percent, compared with 4.3 percent for partnered gay men
and 7.6 percent for partnered lesbians, the organization reports.
The divorce rate has helped reduce the number of married
households in the United States. At the same time, others have
postponed marriage or never married. And census data show that the
number of cohabiting couples has shot up to 7.5 million in 2011 from
450,000 in 1960.
Yet, the desire to marry remains strong. In a 2013 Gallup Poll, only 5
percent of Americans reported that they did not want to marry.
Mr. Ulmer of Anchorage said that he and his wife have found that
“twoincomes are obviously better than one and they help pay for
more. But there are many expenses I wouldn’t have incurred in the
first place as a single person.”
Being married, he believes, “gives us the desire to have greater
financial security and less debt. My wife and I enjoy every minute of
those moments together, which in turn leads us to plan more
effectively for retirement so we can continue to afford the lifestyle we
want.”
“I see the clear connection between marriage and savings,” said Doug
Sutherland, a 94-year-old minister from Raymore, Mo., whose wife
of nearly 69 years, Twila, 92, has resided in an Alzheimer’s center
since 2010. “Way back when, we started a savings account and we
prided ourselves on saving regularly,” he said. “I’m thankful we did”
— most notably, he added, because of the $8,000 a month in bills for
his wife’s inpatient care.
Insufficient savings and other financial matters are the most
common cause of discord among American couples, said Ernie
Almonte, chairman of the National C.P.A. Financial Literacy
7. Commission, a part of the American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants, which studied this problem.
“Divorce causes a decrease in wealth that is larger than just splitting
a couple’s assets in half,” said Jay Zagorsky, an Ohio State University
economist. “If you really want to increase your wealth, get married
and stay married.”
Andrew L. Yarrow, a historian and public policy professional who has taught 20th-
century U.S. history at American University and is the author of Forgive Us Our Debts:
The Intergenerational Dangers of Fiscal Irresponsibility, has just published a new
book, Thrift: The History of an American Cultural Movement.
A version of this article appears in print on February 8, 2015, on page ST15 of the New
York edition with the headline: Falling Marriage Rates Reveal Economic Fault
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