The Problem of Marriage

Abstract

This chapter sets out some recent changes in relationship trends in the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States which explain the intense debates concerning the marriage problem. It explains why the marriage debate is so contentious and sets out a constructive framework for considering the challenges that governments face in developing marriage education policies. On the one hand, from the ‘marital decline’ perspective, marriage is perceived as disintegrating and in need of rescuing, while on the other hand, from the ‘marital resilience’ perspective, marriage is perceived as just one relationship option among many that people can choose. This frame sets out the clear distinctions in the debate, but it is necessary to keep in mind that marriage itself is constantly changing. Therefore, as the remaining chapters will illustrate, the key issue is how or whether it can be revitalized or recreated as an important social institution in the three countries. The chapter also offers a brief overview of marriage and relationship education which has been receiving public support for strengthening marriage.