Authors: Paul R. Amato; Alan Booth; David R. Johnson; Stacy J. Rogers

Most observers agree that marriage in America has been changing. Some
think it is in decline, that the growth of individualism has made it
increasingly difficult to achieve satisfying and stable relationships.
Others believe that changes, such as increasing gender equality, have
made marriage a better arrangement for men as well as women.

Based on two studies of marital quality in America twenty years apart,
this book takes a middle view, showing that while the divorce rate has
leveled off, spouses are spending less time together.people may be
.bowling alone. these days, but married couples are also eating alone.
Indeed, the declining social capital of married couples.including the
fact that couples have fewer shared friends.combined with the general
erosion of community ties in American society has had pervasive,
negative effects on marital quality.

At the same time, family income has increased, decision-making equality
between husbands and wives is greater, marital conflict and violence
have declined, and the norm of lifelong marriage enjoys greater support
than ever.

The authors conclude that marriage is an adaptable institution, and in
accommodating the vast changes that have occurred in society over the
recent past, it has become a less cohesive, yet less confining arrangement.

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