The U.S. Divorce Rate and the Benefits of Marriage

The U.S. divorce rate peaked in the 1980s but has decreased to around 15 divorces per 1000 marriages annually as of 2019. Despite marrying being questioned, evidence suggests that marriage leads to better life outcomes in terms of health and wealth. Children of married individuals tend to fare better than those of unmarried individuals. While causality is complex to establish, marriage presents material benefits even after adjusting for demographic differences. Additionally, there is a metaphysical aspect to marriage called love, as suggested by Helen Fisher.