Case for Marriage, the

In the first full-scale comparison of married and single life, Linda J. Waite and Maggie Gallagher present compelling evidence that getting and staying married increases the happiness and well-being of men, women, and their children. Drawing on their own research and the work of other nationally recognized scholars, they show that married adults are less likely to die young, develop physical disabilities, or suffer psychological and emotional illnesses. These positive, proven consequences of wedded life, the authors argue, demolish the antimarriage myths emerging in America today. Overturning the currently accepted wisdom that women are oppressed by marriage, that children of divorce suffer no ill effects, and that cohabitation is virtually identical to marriage, The Case for Marriage offers a wealth of examples to support the pro-marriage stance.

This impassioned, closely reasoned manifesto combines analysis, cultural criticism, and practical advice on strengthening the institution of marriage. By breaking through the heated rhetoric on both sides, it sets clear and essential guidelines for reestablishing marriage as the foundation for a healthy and happy society.