Alone Together How Marriage in America Is Changing

Author/creator Amato, Paul R. Author
Other author Booth, Alan Author
Other author Johnson, David R. Author
Other author Rogers, Stacy J. Author
Format Electronic
Publication InfoCambridge : Harvard University Press
Description336 p.
Supplemental ContentFull text available from Ebook Central - Academic Complete
Subjects

Summary Annotation Most observers agree that marriage in America has been changing. Some think it is in decline, that the growth of individualism has made it increasingly difficult to achieve satisfying and stable relationships. Others believe that changes, such as increasing gender equality, have made marriage a better arrangement for men as well as women.Based on two studies of marital quality in America twenty years apart, this book takes a middle view, showing that while the divorce rate has leveled off, spouses are spending less time togetherpeople may be bowling alone these days, but married couples are also eating alone. Indeed, the declining social capital of married couplesincluding the fact that couples have fewer shared friendscombined with the general erosion of community ties in American society has had pervasive, negative effects on marital quality.At the same time, family income has increased, decision-making equality between husbands and wives is greater, marital conflict and violence have declined, and the norm of lifelong marriage enjoys greater support than ever.The authors conclude that marriage is an adaptable institution, and in accommodating the vast changes that have occurred in society over the recent past, it has become a less cohesive, yet less confining arrangement.
Access restrictionAvailable only to authorized users.
Technical detailsMode of access: World Wide Web
Genre/formElectronic books.
ISBN9780674020184
ISBN0674020189 (E-Book) Active Record
Standard identifier# 9780674020184
Stock number00011705