Marriage boosts women’s financial progress, says Census.

Marriage: A Key to Economic Upward Mobility for Women

A recent study by the U.S. Census Bureau has found that marriage is a driving factor behind economic upward mobility for women. The study looked at intergenerational family income mobility and found that marriage is a primary source for women’s economic outcomes and attaining a level of success greater than their parents.

The Importance of Marriage and Family

According to American Principles Project President Terry Schilling, “Marriage and family have always been strong drivers of economic growth.” Having a loyal partner can make it easier to focus on your job, and good parents are driven to work harder and make more money to provide for their children.

Racial Disparities in Marriage

The study showed major racial disparities in marriage, with white women being 75% more likely to be married than black women of the same socioeconomic background. White women who came from middle-income households were married at a rate of 70%, whereas black women from the same income bracket were only married at a rate of 34%. However, regardless of childhood family income, white women were still better off economically than other racial and ethnic groups because of the high rate of marriage.

The Economic Case for a Strong Marriage Culture

The data strengthen the economic case for a strong marriage culture in the United States. Marriage is an economic and cultural driver that compounds over time with each generation. Schilling explains that there need to be more potent incentives, like tax structures, to encourage marriage, children, and family unity. “Strong families create and mold the future citizens, workers, and entrepreneurs of America,” Schilling said. “More people equals more demand in the economy — but, even more importantly, more creativity and innovation — which is where true economic growth comes from.”

Key Takeaways:

• Marriage is a driving factor behind economic upward mobility for women.
• Marriage and family have always been strong drivers of economic growth.
• White women are 75% more likely to be married than black women of the same socioeconomic background.
• Regardless of childhood family income, white women are still better off economically than other racial and ethnic groups because of the high rate of marriage.
• There need to be more potent incentives, like tax structures, to encourage marriage, children, and family unity.

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