Are Americans Giving Up on Marriage

Are Americans “Giving Up” on Marriage?

An overwhelming majority of Americans marry at least once in their lifetime. According to Lamanna and Riedmann (2006) the divorce rate for first marriages is between 40 and 50 percent. Due to these statistics, there are some critics who believe Americans are “giving up” on marriage. Although the divorce rate is alarming, I disagree that Americans are “throwing in the towel” when it comes to marriage due to the social, emotional, and financial benefits of marriage.

People marry for social reasons. Getting married is both a private and public relationship. The state has become involved in marriage due to the community having a stake in an essential social function such as rearing children (Lamanna and Riedmann 2006, p. 204). Socially, when two people marry, this marks a passage into adulthood. Three states now have what is called a covenant marriage which makes getting a divorce more difficult. This is the state’s way of supporting marriage.

Another benefit of marriage is the emotional support and love one can receive. According to Spandel and Hiscox 2006) we all need love and support. Many Americans expect romance to continue not only through courtship but in the marriage as well.

There are financial benefits of marriage as well. Women are becoming more and more independent. Even though they are becoming more self-sufficient, two incomes benefit both partners and their children. The more resources that are available to a family, the better chances they have at being successful.

Again, there are social, emotional, and financial benefits of marriage. If Americans were “giving up” on marriage, then why do people remarry? According to Lamanna and Riedmann (2006) remarriages make up approximately half of all marriages in the United States. Remarriage is advantageous to both women and children. Combining love with the practical elements of the social and financial aspects of marriage is a “new goal” for Americans...