Decline of Marriage Makes Families and Children Poorer, Economist Says

In most cases, marriage makes life better for couples and their children, a new book suggests. But many Americans now choose not to marry, statistics show.

A couple exchanges rings during their marriage ceremony. Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Marriage makes families richer, adults happier, and children more successful, economic research suggests.

But in the last 40 years, Americans have rejected marriage in unprecedented numbers.