The Impact of Economic Shocks on Marriage and Family Structure

Technological developments and the rise of industrial robots have led to the elimination of many well-paying jobs, particularly for non-college educated men. This has resulted in a decrease in marriage rates and an increase in the number of children living in unmarried-parent homes. The economic shocks have weakened the value proposition of marriage for non-college educated adults. While marriage is often associated with love, college education provides individuals with stable jobs and the perception of being reliable financial partners, leading to a higher likelihood of marriage. Marriage allows couples to pool their resources and navigate life together more easily.

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