LAC News
Research Continues to Uphold the Value of Marriage
By Amelia Wigton
November 2005

During a special event held recently by the Heritage Foundation, leading sociologists and Wade Horn, Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary for Children and Families, introduced new studies that affirm marriage is vital to a successful society.

Horn emphasized at the November 18 program that a federal investment in promoting healthy marriages helps to keep government small. This is because people are less likely to need governmental assistance if they grow up in stable homes.  Supporting marriage goes to the root of many societal problems and allows young people to become independent, responsible adults.

The Institute for American Values detailed its findings in an extensive study called “Why Marriage Matters.”  The study lists 26 sociological findings from 16 researchers, who state that marriage:

1. has not lost its value in minority communities, even though it has lost ground there in recent years;
2. benefits poor and disadvantaged Americans;
3. is particularly important in civilizing men, turning their attention away from dangerous, antisocial, or self-centered activities and toward the needs of a family;
4. influences the biological functioning of adults and children.  Men and women experience greater physical and mental health.  These factors can have important social consequences; and
5. heightens the relationship quality and commitment of intimate partners.

Another key supporter of healthy marriages, Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pennsylvania), noted, “There are a number of important debates heating up about marriage, including whether we should redefine marriage. Before we consider changing what marriage means, we should look at what marriage is, what its benefits are, and why it is worth defending.”

Since its introduction in March 2005, Concerned Women for America (CWA) has actively supported the Healthy Marriage Initiative(HIM).  President Bush proposed $100 million for this priority in his 2006 budget. HIM falls under provisions in S. 667 in the Senate and H.R. 240 in the House.  CWA will continue to closely monitor their progress.

“The increases in divorce, cohabitation and single motherhood have fed poverty rates, but education programs that prepare people for marriage can help reverse these dangerous trends,” said CWA’s Executive Vice President Wendy Wright. “Marriage is the one family relationship that we can freely choose. But it takes wisdom to make a right choice, and skill to make a successful marriage.

“Data from the left and the right show that healthy mother-and-father families are far less likely to be in poverty than single-parent families. The strong bonds of an intact family are like an inoculation against the disease of poverty. Why wouldn’t we do our best to see every child get that protection?”

The funding proposed in the Healthy Marriage Initiative will go toward marriage and relationship education, through:

1. public advertising campaigns;
2. high school programs;
3. programs for unmarried pregnant women and unmarried expectant fathers;
4. pre-marital training for engaged couples and others interested in marriage;
5. training programs for married couples;
6. divorce-reduction programs;
7. marriage-mentoring programs;
8. programs to reduce disadvantages for married couples in government aid programs, if offered in conjunction with any activity described above.