Marriage improves lives of people
The recent Pew study indicates people are more willing to consider living together in lieu of marriage than ever before. Research indicates that there are certain benefits only marriage can provide.
Significant evidence shows marriage has a positive impact on the health, finances, community and economic development and education for men, women and children. Children in married households are less likely to suffer abuse, experience depression or be involved in risky behaviors, and are more likely to do well in school. Also, only 6 percent of families living in poverty are married homes with children under the age of 18, compared to more than 40 percent of single parent homes.
Research consistently shows that three out of four Americans plan to marry at some point in their lives. Perhaps the idea that marriage is irrelevant has something do to with people finding it challenging to make it work. If couples would slow down, take the time to really get to know each other and learn those skills proven to help them be successful in their marriage, the numbers would look dramatically different.
No great civilization has ever survived without marriage and family.
Marriage does matter to our country.
JULIE BAUMGARDNER
Executive director
First Things First