New directions for policies aimed at strengthening low-income couples

Abstract

Strong marriages are associated with a range of positive outcomes for adults and their children. But many couples struggle to build and sustain strong marriages. Federal initiatives have sought to support marriage, particularly among low-income populations, through programs that emphasize relationship education. Recent results from three large-scale interventions funded by these initiatives are weaker than expected. These results provide a valuable opportunity to ask what policy strategies would work better. Research demonstrating how economic strain affects low-income families and constrains their individual well-being, relationship satisfaction, communication, and parenting is relevant here. So is research indicating that addressing the financial pressures low-income couples face can improve relationship stability. An increased emphasis on these programs, either alone or in combination with relationship education, could better serve low-income couples.

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