POPLINE Document Number: 077009
Author(s):
Thornton A
Axinn W
Source citation:
In: International Population Conference/Congres International de la Population, New Delhi, September/septembre 20-27, 1989. Vol. 3. Liege, Belgium, International Union for the Scientific Study of Population, 1989. :149-61.
Abstract:
During the past 3 decades there have been important shifts in the marriage formation system in the US. Marriage rates have fallen, age at marriage has increased, premarital sex has become more common, non-marital cohabitation has become a frequent occurrence, and divorce rates have increased. These behavioral changes have been accompanied by value and normative transformation. Most importantly, there has been a substantial weakening of the norms to marry, to stay married, and to refrain from sexual relations outside marriage. However, at the same time, Americans remain positive towards family life, marriage, and parenthood. Since the family is a major determinant of demographic behavior and economic well-being, these changes in marital behavior have important ramifications for many dimensions of American life. Increases in age at marriage and a higher prevalence of divorce have decreased the portion of the life course spent married, which could lead to smaller families and higher ages at childbirth. Both out-of-wedlock childbearing and marital dissolution have increased the prevalence of single-parent families, with their lower levels of economic well-being and physical and mental health. New patterns of marriage, divorce, and remarriage also have implications household composition and geographical mobility. Finally, high levels of divorce in American society may have led to a questioning of the institution of marriage and a decline in people's willingness to invest in marriage as a way of life, which may have contributed to the decline in marriage, the increase in cohabitation, and increased involvement of women with careers, and reduced fertility within marriage. While this paper emphasizes the importance of marriage and divorce trends for several dimensions of American life, the determinants of these other behaviors are numerous, and changing marital behavior is only 1 of their many causes.
Keywords:
United StatesIndex page
Marriage Patterns
Divorce
Marriage Age
Premarital Sex Behavior
Consensual Union
Attitude
Fertility Changes
One Parent Family
Employment Status
Changes
Women
Developed Countries
North America
Americas
Marriage
Nuptiality
Sex Behavior
Behavior
Psychological Factors
Fertility
Population Dynamics
Demographic Factors
Population
Family Characteristics
Family and Household
Socioeconomic Status
Socioeconomic Factors
Economic Factors
Social Change