From one of the nation's leading experts on the American family, a
book that explores the state of marriage in America today; its
evolution culturally; and with regard to religion and the law, how
and why the present state of marriage--a merry-go-round of
partnerships--developed, and the implications for parents and
children.
During Andrew J. Cherlin's three decades of study and analysis of
family life, he came to see that marriage in the United States was
different than in other Western countries--Western Europe, Canada,
Australia, and New Zealand--in a way that no one was writing about.
He realized that marriage in America, unlike in other countries in
the world, was seen as a cultural idael, and the U.S. government
was spending money to promote its continuation. The institution of
marriage had become a social and political battlefield.
Cherlin writes that Americans marry more repeatedly and have more
live-in partners; that marriage and remarriage, frequent divorce,
and short-term cohabiting relationships have resulted in a core
upheaval in American family life; and that American children have
been left to cope with the frequent and disruptive comings and
goings of parents.
He writes that Americans have come to embrace two contradictory
models of personal and family life: marriage, a formal commitment
to share one's life with another; and individualism, which
emphasizes personal growth and development. The former promotes a
lasting relationship; the latter encourages one to move on. Each
model is culturally reinforced by two basic, powerful institutions:
religion and law.
Cherlin writes about the inconsistency of American religion and law
with regard to family life. He argues that contemporary religion,
although supportive of marriage, embraces the quest for
self-development. And he makes clear that family law, which used to
be centered on marriage, is today focused on the individual and his
or her obligations to children.
He discusses the movement and civil struggle for same-sex marriage
in America as opposed to in many European countries, where marriage
is seen by gay couples as an oppressive heterosexual institution.
A fascinating book that illuminates the shifting nature of
America's oldest and most cherished social institution, the subject
of intense and ever-increasing national debate.
"From the Hardcover edition."
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