Synopses & Reviews
In a time of unity and common purpose, why does it still feel as though we are a nation divided in half? On one side, are those with solid families, well-paying jobs, safe homes, and a sound education. On the other are those who were raised by one parent, live in poor neighborhoods, and lack the skills and support needed to hold down a steady job and steer clear of crime. How did this come to pass? In is penetrating new study, esteemed commentator James Q. Wilson argues that the answer lies in the state of modern marriage.
Once a reliable thread in the social fabric, marriage is now a convenient promise easily made and just as easily broken. Long taken for granted, it is now under attack, and the result is devastating. The signs are everywhere, with the increase in cohabitation, the proliferation of single and teenage parents, and the high divorce rate, all of which are eroding family life and damaging children's futures. In fact, statistics have shown that children of divorce and single parenthood are the ones who continually have higher rates of school dropout and teenage pregnancy, as well as a greater propensity for emotional problems, drug use, and criminal activity. Drawing on meticulous research and an acute interpretation of American history, Wilson takes aim at the sweeping forces that have slowly but surely stripped away the value of one of our most important institutions.
The Marriage Problem reveals that the seeds of today's crisis were planted over many years by unlikely sources -- from the glittering ideals of the Enlightenment to the shameful practice of American slavery. The exaltation of individual rights has made unmarried cohabitation -- with its lack of ultimate responsibility to another -- the lifestyle of choice among younger people. And in today's inner cities, families continue to feel the impact of slavery, which taught mothers and children not to rely on the presence of fathers, creating an environment prone to abandonment. With precision and persuasiveness, Wilson exposes the patterns that have allowed us to degrade marriage and shows us how we can reclaim it.
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.
Review
"James Q. Wilson, an esteemed conservative thinker, adds his voice to the chorus....Rather than echoing the same tired lamentations, Wilson approaches the subject with a refreshing twist a historical perspective that breaks new ground in understanding the reasons for the weakening of the family....His views will strike some readers as too rigid and idealistic. But even those who disagree with his conservative politics may find his historical perspective thought-provoking" Christian Science Monitor
Review
"Once again, James Q. Wilson illuminates a vexing contemporary problem with his formidable intellect and the resources of modern social science. Without handwringing or polemics, he shows why a society that prizes freedom and selfgovernment cannot afford to ignore what is happening to the institution of marriage and points the way toward its rehabilitation." Mary Ann Glendon
Synopsis
Marriage, the emotional core and social foundation of our culture, is under attack. Unafraid to contradict conventional wisdom, Wilson provides ample evidence that marriage benefits all parties, husbands, wives and, especially, children. An important and persuasive book, "The Marriage Problem" is a clarion call to rebuild the family, and society, by having a solid marital structure at its core.
About the Author
James Q. Wilson is the former James Collins Professor of Management at UCLA and Shattuck Professor of Government at Harvard. He is the author of several books, including The Moral Sense, and has served on a number of national commissions concerned with public policy. He currently lectures at Pepperdine University.