Is marriage an endangered institution in America? Does America's high
divorce rate represent a danger to the lives of American children? These
are some of the questions explored in this path-breaking volume of
essays. The contributors to Marriage in America, inspired by the
philosophy of communitarianism, consider an extensive roster of
innovative policies and practices that are intended to promote a more
supportive atmosphere for American marriages. A wide range of viewpoints
are represented, with essays by legal scholars, social scientists,
public policy advocates, family activists, and government program
administrators. The range of influences affecting marriages is similarly
broad, with essays critically probing the role of law and the courts,
religious institutions, family therapists, employers, and government
programs in either supporting or undermining the institution of marriage
in America. In this volume the debate over 'family values' in America is
removed from the polemics of partisan politics and replaced by
thoughtful consideration of options for the future by some of America's
best thinkers on family issues. Marriage in America is an essential text
for all of those who care about the health of American families and
children.