The Marriage Problem: How Our Culture Has Weakened Families

Abstract

Marriage, the emotional core and social foundation of our culture, is under attack. Profound changes in our values have eroded family life to a degree that degrades the very integrity of our society. This devastation takes many forms, says the renowned scholar, James Q. Wilson: the proliferation of cohabitation instead of formal marriage, the steep increase in single and teenage parents, and the rising divorce rate. Behind these diverse forces, Wilson draws on meticulous research to identify two underlying causes of this destruction: the rise of individualism and the consequences of slavery. Unafraid to contradict conventional wisdom, Wilson provides ample evidence that marriage benefits all parties, husbands, wives and, especially, children. An important and persuasive book, The Marriage Problem is a clarion call to rebuild the family, and society, by having a solid marital structure at its core.

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