Reading Guide for Marriage: The Good, the Bad, and the Greedy

City College: Work and Family

Marriage: The Good and the Bad The authors begin by mentioning the good things

we already know about marriage: Way out of poverty Greater wealth accumulation Increased mental and physical health

But they note that there are some negatives to marriage as well… Domestic violence Increase in work for women Bad marriages can be hazardous to mental and

physical health Marriages can also weaken ties with the wider

community

Is Marriage Greedy?Involvement with Parents and Siblings

Is Marriage Greedy?Involvement with Parents and Siblings The differences between married, never

married, and previously married are not based on race, class (income, education, employment), or age

These differences exist between both men and women

In some cases, the effects of marriage are stronger for men than women

Is Marriage Greedy?Involvement with Neighbors and Friends

Is Marriage Greedy?Involvement with Neighbors and Friends These differences are not due to class

There are racial/ethnic differences however…the effect of marriage is weaker for African-Americans and Hispanics

Children can help decrease the effect of marriage, as married people with children involve themselves with others…why?

Why is marriage greedy? Material reasons

Married people tend to have more money than singles…and need the help of family and friends less

Emotional reasons Marriage demands intense emotional involvement

Cultural reasons Cultural expectations of self-sufficiency Remember from past readings…people marry now

once they have achieved success…not in order to get it The honeymoon is symbolic of the belief in the married

couple as an autonomous unit

Marriage Promotion in the US Politicians and social commentators talk about

the value of family But their view of family is very narrow Marriage is not always good

They blame the decline in families for the decline in community in society This is false. Marriage takes away from

community and social ties