Married moms are America’s happiest group.
Married with Children: The Key to Happiness
According to the latest data from the General Social Survey, married people with children are among the happiest group in America. This groundbreaking study reveals that both men and women experience a significant increase in happiness when they are married, and this happiness further multiplies when they have children.
“In particular, and contrary to the views articulated by many on social media, the mainstream media, and the American public, marriage and parenthood do not appear to be obstacles to living a happy life,”
University of Virginia sociologist W. Bradford Wilcox and Institute for Family Studies research director Wendy Wang emphasize that marriage and parenthood are actually associated with a happier life. They challenge the prevailing notion that these traditional markers of adulthood hinder happiness.
Women: The Happiest When Married with Children
Among women, the study reveals that the highest levels of happiness are reported by those who are married with children. An impressive 40% of these women describe themselves as “very happy.” In contrast, the percentage drops significantly to 25% for married, childless women, 22% for unmarried, childless women, and a mere 17% for unmarried women with children.
Men: Finding Joy in Marriage and Fatherhood
Men also exhibit a similar trend, with 35% of married fathers reporting being ”very happy.” While childless married men experience a smaller decline in happiness compared to women, 30% of them still report being happy. However, the happiness levels plummet for unmarried childless men, with only 14% feeling happy, and unmarried fathers fare even worse at 12%.
Additional research from the University of Chicago supports this happiness trend, highlighting that marriage is the most significant factor influencing happiness among American men and women.
“The sexual revolution assaulted the family from another angle, arguing that men and women alike should be freed from the restraints of marriage, monogamy, and children.”
Sen. Marco Rubio’s office echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the detrimental effects of the sexual revolution on the family structure. Rubio argues that the rejection of traditional values has led to problems faced by American men, including difficulties in finding stable jobs, succeeding in education, and starting families. This has resulted in record rates of depression, addiction, and suicide.
However, Rubio firmly believes that “marriage and family are the answer.” While acknowledging that they are not a cure-all solution, he asserts that providing men with opportunities to work, marry, and succeed is crucial to prevent further stagnation and alienation between the sexes.
Despite a temporary dip in marriage rates during the pandemic, the most recent report from the American Community Survey indicates that marriage rates have rebounded to pre-pandemic levels in 2022, with divorce rates at near-record lows.
However, fertility rates remain a concern, as the National Center for Health Statistics reports near-record lows in birth rates. To maintain a replacement rate, the birth rate among women should be at least 2.1 children, but it currently stands at 1.7 children per woman.
Sen. Rubio calls for public policy changes that incentivize marriage and family, including measures to make it easier for single-income households to sustain a family.
“There is no reason why the government should incentivize fathers and mothers to both work full-time, especially since the more traditional ‘breadwinner’ model remains the preference of the working class,”
Rubio urges Congress to enact reforms that level the financial playing field for single-earner households, aligning them with dual-earner households.
Marriage and family have proven to be sources of immense happiness, and it is essential to prioritize and support these institutions for the well-being of individuals and society as a whole.
Click here to read more from The Washington Examiner.
How do shared values and goals in a marriage contribute to greater happiness and fulfillment for individuals and the relationship as a whole
On and the devaluation of marriage and parenthood in society. Rubio believes that the decline in marriage rates and the rise in non-traditional family structures have had a negative impact on happiness and overall well-being.
Furthermore, the study conducted by Wilcox and Wang also suggests that the benefits of marriage and parenthood extend beyond individual happiness. Married couples with children are not only happier, but they also report higher levels of relationship satisfaction and stability. The presence of children in the household fosters a sense of purpose and unity, creating a stronger bond between partners.
The study also highlights the importance of shared values and goals in a marriage. Couples who prioritize and work towards common objectives tend to experience greater happiness and fulfillment, both individually and as a unit. The responsibility and commitment that come with marriage and parenthood contribute to personal growth and a deeper sense of meaning in life.
It is important to note that the study does not discount the challenges and difficulties that come with marriage and parenthood. Raising children requires time, effort, and sacrifice. However, the rewards and joys that come from building a family outweigh the hardships, as attested to by the high levels of reported happiness among married couples with children.
In conclusion, the latest research indicates that married people with children are among the happiest group in America. Despite societal narratives that suggest otherwise, marriage and parenthood are not obstacles to happiness; in fact, they contribute significantly to a happier and more fulfilling life. The study emphasizes the benefits of shared values, commitment, and purpose in a marriage, as well as the positive impact of children on overall well-being. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, it is crucial to acknowledge and appreciate the value of marriage and parenthood in our pursuit of happiness.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
Now loading...