Coffin Corner

You'll be surprised to see who values marriage the most in modern America.

American marriages have never been more precarious. But why do marriages fall apart, and how are families changing as a result?

The following infographic, by Tiffany Farrant and PromotionalCodes.org.uk, casts a piercing eye on the institution. Based on the annual report by The National Marriage Project, it paints a picture of marriage becoming a less and less relevant factor in the way American's live and raise children. The short version: Marriage is simply shrinking as a cultural value; where 66% of women over 15 were married in 1960, the figure has shrunk every decade since.* Now, it's just 51%:

[Click to visit large version]

But perhaps the most surprising fact is who is getting married -- and staying married. Conservative pundits will gleefully tell you that the educated elite are busy destroying every last thing that America holds dear, with family values being at the top of the list. (At the same time, when Levi Johnston first promised to marry Bristol Palin, this was held as some sort of ideal. How'd that work out?) But the fact is that being educated, making more money, waiting on kids, getting married late, and being religious are the most reliable indicators that your marriage will last:

[Click to visit large version]

Now, to say that marriage is disappearing isn't to say that people are opting to remain single. Rather, it appears that couples are living together in presumably monogamous relationships without getting married at all, while child rearing has become more and more disconnected from the institution of marriage:

[Click to visit large version]

*You might think that one very small reason is the fact that the legal age of marriage has changed over time, but the researchers have controlled for this using statistical methods.

[Via PromotionalCodes.org.uk]

Cliff Kuang

Cliff is the editor of Co.Design, and in the past has written regularly for WIRED, Popular Science and GOOD. ... Read more

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Original reports summarizing the latest statistics on U.S. families.  These profiles examine topics related to NCFMR's core research themes. Data are presented at both the national and state levels using new data resources.

Click one of the highlighted family profile links to view that document.

 

2011

FP-11-01	U.S. Families and Households: Economic Well-being

2010

FP-10-08	Same-Sex Couple Households in the U.S., 2009
FP-10-07	Trends in Cohabitation: Twenty Years of Change, 1987-2008
FP-10-06	First Divorces in the U.S., 2008
FP-10-05	Rate of First Marriage in the U.S., 2008
FP-10-04	Thirty Years of Change in Family Roles and Parenthood Attitudes, 1976-2008
FP-10-03	Thirty Years of Change in Marriage and Union Formation Attitudes, 1976-2008
FP-10-02	Cohabitation in the U.S., 2006-2008
FP-10-01	Marital Status in the U.S., 2008

2009

FP-09-03	Median Age at First Marriage in the U.S., 2008
FP-09-02	Divorce Rate in the U.S., 2008
FP-09-01	Marriage Rate in the U.S., 2008

Just in time for Black Marriage Day, tomorrow Lamar and Ronnie Tyler the couple behind Happily Ever After and You Saved Me present their new film “Men Ain’t Boys.” The Tyler’s traveled across the country to interview 45 men and multiple experts about the true definition of manhood in the Black community. A resounding theme in the film is how these men (all of whom are married) express their love. Watch as men from ages 22 to 77 explain not just why they love their wives but more importantly how they display their love. The Tylers hope to portray positive examples of Black men on film in a fashion that has never been done before with Men Ain’t Boys. The end desire is to present a blueprint for what real manhood is in our communities and families for not only men but also for our women and children.

With Black marriage numbers at an all time low and Black divorce numbers at an all time high the hopes of positive, lasting, relationships look bleak until now. Executive Producers Lamar and Ronnie Tyler bring real married couples to the screen to chronicle the greatest love stories ever told. These real couples explain how their marriages had a direct impact on their lives. Featuring candid and transparent looks inside of the hardships, trials, and ultimate success stories of these amazing couples. YOU SAVED ME offers an unprecedented look inside of real relationships and what is required to sustain them.

Originally scheduled to air tomorrow in selected areas to tie in with “Black Marriage Day” you can participate by writing to Tyler New Media P.O. Box 284 Grayson, Ga.  30017.

There is a full training program that you can participate by  visiting www.blackmarriageday.com/Black_Marriage_Day/Welcome.html

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