According to Brad Wilcox, Ph.D., in his book Get Married, marriage has declined 65% since the 1970s. In a world that increasingly celebrates individualism and personal freedom, the value of marriage, commitment, and family formation can seem like an outdated ideal. Yet, the emotional and empirical evidence tells a different story. Marriage isn’t just a social tradition; it’s a cornerstone of human flourishing, deeply tied to our well-being, stability, financial success, and happiness.
Research overwhelmingly highlights that married individuals experience better physical and mental health. A study published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior found that married people are less likely to experience loneliness, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. They also recover more quickly from illness, have lower rates of heart disease, and live longer. Why? Because commitment fosters support, accountability, and a shared sense of purpose. When two people build a life together, they create a foundation that nurtures resilience and emotional security.
Financially, marriage often provides a decisive advantage. According to the Brookings Institution, married couples accumulate significantly more wealth over time than their single counterparts. Dual income, shared expenses, and long-term financial planning increase economic stability and upward mobility for the most financially vulnerable population groups. Children raised in two-parent households also benefit from more consistent economic support and educational opportunities, setting the stage for future success. Marriage, in this sense, is not just a romantic gesture; it is an investment in a stronger, more secure future.
Perhaps the most compelling reason to value marriage is the connection between marriage and happiness. In the Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest-running studies on human happiness, strong relationships emerged as the primary predictor of a fulfilling life. When rooted in deep commitment and mutual respect, marriage consistently ranks as one of the most significant sources of long-term happiness. Contrary to the belief that independence leads to joy, the truth is that shared lives are often more abundant, deeper, and more meaningful.
Marriage also provides an essential structure for family formation. Children raised in stable, loving homes thrive emotionally, academically, and socially. They benefit from the security of knowing that their parents are united, working as a team, and committed to them and each other. This structure offers a robust template for future relationships, passing on the values of love, trust, and commitment to the next generation.
Of course, marriage is not without its challenges. It demands sacrifice, patience, and growth. But in that very challenge lies its beauty. Through struggle, couples deepen their bond. Through commitment, they create a legacy. Marriage is not the end of freedom; it is the beginning of something more significant, a partnership journey, shared dreams, and lasting love.
In a culture that often asks, “What’s in it for me?” marriage invites us to ask, “What can we build together?” The answer, it turns out, is everything: health, security, happiness, and a family legacy that can echo for generations. We must increase the value of marriage in the public square since it is healthy for individuals and society. Let’s all work together to make marriage and family formation cool! joneen@narme.org