Why Marriage Matters
Rachel Sheffield and Delano Squires, “Crossroads: American Family Life at the Intersection of Tradition and Modernity.”
Families are the bedrock of society and marriage is its cornerstone. Research overwhelmingly shows a clear association between family instability and adverse outcomes for children, adults, and communities. This special report from the Heritage Foundation offers insights on American family life through a thorough analysis of trends over the past 50 years in marriage, childbearing and childrearing, cohabitation, and divorce.
Dr. Brad Wilcox: Why Is Marriage Important? (podcast)
This “Stronger Marriage Connection” podcast with Dr. Brad Wilcox, professor of sociology and Director of the National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia, shares compelling research on why marriage matters more today than ever before. Dr. Wilcox explores key benefits of marriage, including emotional support, financial stability, child well-being, and community strength. He also discusses challenges couples face, such as shifting cultural attitudes toward commitment and provides practical insights for couples navigating the complexities of modern relationships, offering hope for those seeking to build a strong, lasting marriage.
Betsy VanDenBerghe, “Surprise! Married parents aren’t miserable — they’re America’s happiest adults”
Writing for the Deseret News, journalist Betsy VanDenBerghe explores the paradox of how children can be both stressful on a marriage and still create the greatest personal happiness and life meaning.
Betsy VanDenBerghe, “The Perks of Obnoxious Marriage Cultures – and Why They Need to Spread”
Betsy VanDenBerghe, writing for the Deseret News, explores the value of supportive communities and cultures that help couples’ form and sustain stronger marriages.
Betsy VanDenBerghe, Better Options than Marriage? Think Again
Journalist Betsy VanDenBerghe writes for the Deseret News on how decades of research on marriage and its benefits to men, women, children and communities, shows that, despite its constraints – or maybe because of them – marriage is still the most stable, fulfilling and safest relationship to live in.
Betsy VanDenBerghe, “Unsure about Marriage? The Research Should Reassure You.”
Journalist Betsy VanDenBerghe, writing for the Deseret News, summarizes the research on the physical, mental, and financial health benefits of strong marriages, based on Brad Wilcox’s recent book, “Get Married.”
Dr. Melissa S. Kearney, “Making Strong Families a National Priority”
Research finds that a married, two-parent family provides the optimal environment for human flourishing. Listen to this presentation by Dr. Melissa S. Kearney (University of Maryland) summarizing her important research from her 2023 book, “The Two-Parent Privilege.”
Dr. Brad Wilcox, “Why Married Fathers Matter”
University of Virginia sociologist and Director of the National Marriage Project, Dr. Brad Wilcox, shows how boys with married fathers are more likely to flourish than boys with unmarried (and usually non-resident) fathers.
Dr. Brad Wilcox, “The Closing of the American Heart”
University of Virginia sociologist and Director of the National Marriage Project, Dr. Brad Wilcox, argues that we need to do a better job as a society of helping our young see the importance and value of marriage.
Dr. Brad Wilcox, "Why is Marriage Important"
University of Virginia sociologist and director of the National Marriage Project, Dr. Brad Wilcox, shares compelling research on why marriage matters more today than ever before. In this “Stronger Marriage Connection” podcast, he explores key benefits of marriage, including emotional support, financial stability, child well-being, and community strength. And he provides practical insights for couples navigating the complexities of modern relationships and offers hope for those seeking to build a strong, lasting marriage.
Alan J. Hawkins, “A Proposed Model for State Policy Initiatives to Strengthen Marriage”
Can states play a role in strengthening marriages? And should they? Utah Marriage Commission manager Alan Hawkins argues “yes.” He outlines feasible and efficient policies that states can take and describes how Utah is already pilot testing many of the proposed policies.