Heritage Foundation Leadership for America

The Positive Effects of Marriage: A Book of Charts
by Patrick F. Fagan, Robert E. Rector, Kirk A. Johnson, Ph.D. and America Peterson
(table of contents)

As social science research data and government surveys increasingly show, the decline in marriage since the 1960s has been accompanied by a rise in a number of serious social problems. Children born out of wedlock or whose parents divorce are much more likely to experience poverty, abuse, and behavioral and emotional problems, have lower academic achievement, and use drugs more often. Single mothers are much more likely to be victims of domestic violence. With the rise in these problems comes high program costs to deal with the effects of the breakdown of marriage.

For children whose parents remain married, however, the benefits are real. Adolescents from these families have been found to have better health and are less likely to be depressed, are less likely to repeat a grade in school, and have fewer developmental problems. The implications of such mounting evidence for social policy are immense. Too many welfare programs continue to undermine marriage among the poor and must be reevaluated.

The following charts, based on the government surveys and independent studies listed in Appendix A, are offered to policymakers and decisionmakers to aid in their discussions of promarriage policies. They are presented in sections that highlight both the decline of marriage and its effects on children and adults compared with the numerous benefits that marriage offers. An explanation of the data source for each chart and a list of additional resources for more information and analysis of the issues raised in these charts may be found in the appendices.

Questions about these charts should be directed to the authors at The Heritage Foundation, at (202) 546-4400.

Table of Contents
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