The Changing Attraction to Marriage

The inequality in household structure in the US is creating economic disparities. College-educated parents are more likely to raise their kids in married-parent homes, while non-college-educated parents struggle to achieve the same. This leads to economic insecurity and disadvantages for the children. Education plays a significant role in determining household structure. College-educated individuals are more likely to have stable employment, more resources, and better chances of achieving a two-parent household. The concept of assortative mating also contributes to inequality, as highly educated people tend to marry each other while less educated individuals marry less educated partners. The decrease in marriage rates among the non-college-educated exacerbates inequality. Factors like economic conditions and personal experiences influence our decisions about marriage and family. Community norms and examples also play a role in shaping these decisions.