The Importance of Marriage: A Pillar of Societal Stability and Well-being

Marriage, despite the significant societal shifts over the past few decades, remains a vital institution with profound implications for the stability of families and the well-being of individuals.

The decline in marriage rates and the rise of divorce, cohabitation, and unwed childbearing have led to growing concerns about the impact of family fragmentation. These changes in family structure present challenges, but they also offer an opportunity to reconsider the critical role that marriage plays in building healthier, more stable societies.

In South Africa, as in other parts of the world, revisiting the importance of marriage may provide valuable insights into addressing key social issues such as poverty, crime, poor mental health, and education.

Marriage has been a central institution in human societies for millennia, providing a foundation for family life, child-rearing, and societal cohesion. Research consistently shows that children raised in stable, two-parent households, especially those in marriages, tend to experience better emotional, academic, and social outcomes compared to those raised in single-parent households or in households where the parents are unmarried but are cohabiting.

Children of married parents are more likely to grow up in a stable environment, which increases their chances of success in school and reduces their likelihood of engaging in delinquent behaviour. In contrast, children from divorced or cohabiting families face greater risks of emotional distress, academic failure, and early involvement in risky behaviours such as drug use and underage sex.

Furthermore, growing up in a marriage has a lasting impact on children's future relationships. Studies show that children from intact marriages are more likely to enter stable marriages themselves and less likely to experience divorce or cohabitation. The advantages of marriage for children extend far beyond financial stability; marriage fosters emotional security and strong bonds between parents, which in turn nurtures healthier parent-child relationships.

The economic benefits of marriage are profound, both for the individuals involved and for society at large. Married couples tend to build more wealth on average than their single or cohabiting counterparts. This is due to various factors, including economies of scale, specialisation, and mutual support. Married individuals are more likely to invest in property, save money, and accumulate wealth over time, providing a more secure future for their children.

Marriage also contributes to higher household income and economic stability. Studies consistently show that married men earn more than their single counterparts, partly due to increased work commitment and stability. Married individuals are less likely to engage in risky behaviours such as job resignation or excessive alcohol consumption, which can negatively affect their income and productivity.

In South Africa, as in other parts of the world, marriage offers a more secure financial environment for raising children, reducing the likelihood of poverty and providing better opportunities for economic mobility.

Marriage has a significant positive impact on physical and mental health. Research consistently shows that married individuals are healthier and live longer than their single, divorced, or cohabiting counterparts. This is partly due to the emotional and physical support that marriage provides. Married people tend to adopt healthier lifestyles, such as eating well, exercising, and avoiding harmful behaviours such as excessive drinking and smoking.

For children, marriage offers a protective effect against both physical and mental health problems. Children raised in married households are less likely to suffer from chronic illnesses, emotional distress, or mental health issues such as depression. In contrast, children from single-parent or cohabiting households are more likely to experience health problems, even after controlling for socioeconomic factors. The stability that marriage provides helps create a more nurturing and supportive environment for children's development, contributing to their overall well-being.

Marriage plays an essential role in reducing crime and domestic violence. Studies show that children raised in two-parent families are less likely to engage in criminal activity or exhibit violent behaviour compared to those raised by single parents. This finding is particularly important in South Africa, where high levels of crime and violence remain significant societal challenges.

Marriage also reduces the likelihood of domestic abuse. Research indicates that married couples are less likely to experience domestic violence compared to cohabiting or dating couples. This is partly due to the greater commitment and stability inherent in marriage, which fosters healthier relationship dynamics. Cohabiting couples, by contrast, tend to experience more conflict, more violent arguments, and lower levels of relationship satisfaction. The commitment involved in marriage creates a more supportive and less violent environment, not only for the partners but for their children as well.

Despite the challenges presented by changing family structures, marriage remains a powerful institution that promotes societal well-being. Societies that foster a culture of healthy marriages tend to experience better outcomes for children, lower rates of poverty, reduced crime, and improved health. It is essential to encourage the development of marriage education programmes that provide couples with the tools to build strong relationships and avoid divorce. These programmes can help individuals improve communication, conflict resolution, and emotional support, all of which are critical factors in maintaining a healthy marriage.

Public policy should support marriage education and promote the value of marriage as a social good. This involves not only encouraging healthy marriages but also providing support for those facing challenges within their relationships. Marriage education can reduce the risk of divorce and provide couples with the skills necessary to navigate life's challenges together.

In conclusion, marriage remains an indispensable institution with profound benefits for individuals, families, and society as a whole. Despite the decline in marriage rates and the rise of alternative family structures, the evidence is clear: marriage contributes to better outcomes for children, improved economic stability, enhanced physical and mental health, and reduced crime and domestic violence.

In South Africa and beyond, strengthening the institution of marriage should be a priority for policymakers and society alike. Marriage is not only a personal commitment but a public good that supports the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. By fostering a culture of healthy marriages and supporting couples in building strong, lasting relationships, societies can create a more stable and prosperous future for all.