Work

The Benefits from Marriage and Religion in the United States: A Comparative Analysis

Year: 2003

Type: article

Abstract: America is a religious nation. The vast majority of Americans, when asked, profess a belief in God and affirm that religion is at least "fairly important" in their lives (Myers 2000: 285); about 60 percent of the population report membership in a religious organization and 45 percent state that they attend religious services at least monthly (Sherkat and Ellison 1999). Most American adults are currently married and almost all will marry at some time in their lives. About two-thirds of children live with their married (biological or adoptive) parents ( U.S. Census Bureau 2001). And marriage and a happy family life are almost universal goals for young adults.

Source: Population and Development Review

DOI: 10.1111/j.1728-4457.2003.00255.x

Authors: Linda J. Waite, Evelyn L. Lehrer

Institutions: University of Chicago, University of Illinois Chicago

Language: English

Topic: Family Dynamics and Relationships

Subfield: Demography

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute on Aging

Award: Social Isolation, Loneliness, Health &the Aging Process