The Marriage Problem: How Our Culture Has Weakened Families

About this book

There are two Americas. One boasts solid families well-paying jobs safe homes and good education. The other has children raised by one parent poor neighborhoods crime and low-paying jobs. What has caused the divide? In this penetrating study James Q. Wilson argues that the answer lies in the importance of marriage and the devastating effects of divorce and cohabitation. Wilsons meticulous research shows how the erosion of family life has damaged childrens futures leading to school dropouts teenage pregnancy and a greater likelihood of emotional problems drug use and criminal activity. With precision and persuasiveness he reveals the sources of todays crisis -- from the glittering ideals of the Enlightenment to the shameful practice of American slavery -- while also offering bold solutions. Incisive intelligent and thought-provoking The Marriage Problem is a clarion call to rebuild the family and society by returning a solid marital structure to its core.