More or Less: Behind the Stats Are falling marriage rates causing happiness to fall in the US?
May 18, 2024
Professors Sam Peltzman and John Helliwell explore the correlation between falling marriage rates and decreasing happiness in the US. They discuss the complexities of causation and the impact of individual happiness on the decision to marry, revealing the intricate link between marriage and happiness levels.
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Marriage and Happiness Correlation
- Married people tend to report higher happiness levels than unmarried people.
- This correlation has remained relatively consistent over 50 years, according to survey data.
Correlation vs. Causation
- Correlation doesn't equal causation; falling marriage rates don't necessarily cause falling happiness.
- Happier people may be more likely to get married, influencing the data.
Overlooked Variables
- Factors like social connections, health, and freedom are more important for happiness than marital status.
- These factors are often overlooked when focusing on demographics.