How (and Why) Government Should Invest in Marriage

Aug 21, 2018 by

by  Alan J. Hawkins and Hal Boyd, Public Discourse:

New research suggests that educational programs can strengthen or even save marriages. Government can and should play an important role in supporting marriage through such programs.

In the latter half of the twentieth century, government actions removing barriers to divorce have been far more common than efforts to help marriages remain intact. In the last decade, however, the federal government has begun to fund efforts to help couples form and sustain healthy marriages. Early studies of these efforts did not reveal much promise. But an emerging body of research—including an important new study—suggest that educational programs can strengthen or even save marriages. Given the significant pro-social effects of marital stability, both federal and state governments should gradually increase investments in educational programs that help married couples work through conflict, improve their relationships, and avoid divorce.

Since 2006, the federal government has invested about $700 million in relationship education programs, providing free courses to 1.8 million lower-income individuals. Various community organizations compete for government grants (usually one to two million dollars per year) to fund relationship education programs. Currently, about fifty community organizations are being funded. Altogether, since 2006, about 225 organizations have received funding for these services. One state, Utah, also operates a state-based initiative through the Utah Marriage Commission.

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