While some may view marriage as an outdated institution, the role it plays in shaping strong families, transmitting values, and maintaining a healthy economy cannot be overstated. At its core, marriage is essential for the stability of family structures, which are fundamental to the development of children.

A stable, committed marriage provides a secure environment in which children can thrive, both academically and socially. Studies consistently show that children raised in married two-parent households have better outcomes, including higher academic achievement, fewer behavioural issues, and stronger emotional well-being. Marriage creates the framework for parents to provide emotional and financial support, ensuring that children have the tools to succeed in life.

Marriage is also a key vehicle for passing down cultural values and traditions. Parents within a marriage serve as primary role models for their children, instilling important values such as responsibility, respect, and compassion. These values are the bedrock of a cohesive society and are essential for maintaining continuity between generations. In this sense, the family unit, rooted in marriage, plays a central role in preserving cultural norms and ensuring the stability of societal structures.

In addition to supporting family life, marriage fosters a sense of social cohesion.

Couples who are committed to each other contribute not only to the well-being of their families but also to their communities. Married individuals are more likely to be engaged in civic activities, volunteer, and contribute to a sense of shared responsibility. Strong marriages lead to stronger communities, characterised by lower crime rates and a more connected citizenry.

The financial benefits of marriage are equally important. Married couples often enjoy greater economic stability through shared financial responsibilities. The pooling of resources allows for increased savings, improved wealth accumulation, and greater financial security. Additionally, marriage is associated with lower poverty rates and reduced reliance on social welfare systems. In an era of rising economic uncertainty, the economic advantages of marriage provide a crucial buffer against financial hardship.

Marriage also offers important psychological and emotional benefits. Stable marriages provide individuals with companionship, emotional support, and a sense of belonging. Research shows that married people experience lower levels of stress, better physical health, and greater overall life satisfaction. These emotional benefits extend to the wider community, as individuals in healthy marriages are less likely to experience mental health problems, substance abuse issues, or engage in domestic violence.

The decline in marriage rates in South Africa is cause for concern. The decreasing ratio of marriages to divorces reflects a broader shift that could undermine the stability of families, communities, and the economy. As research overwhelmingly demonstrates, marriage plays a pivotal role in fostering personal well-being, child development, economic stability, and social cohesion. For South Africa’s future, revitalising the institution of marriage may be a very useful step towards ensuring a more stable, prosperous, and cohesive society.

You can read The Common Sense's research on this here.

Pierneef was one of South Africa's greatest artists, known for his paintings of South African vistas. This column named after him aims to do something similar - sketch the broad vistas of South Africa's domestic landscape.