1. Reading Guide for Marriage: The Good, the Bad, and the Greedy City College: Work and Family

2. Marriage: The Good and the Bad TThe authors begin by mentioning the good things we already know about marriage: WWay out of poverty GGreater wealth accumulation IIncreased mental and physical health BBut they note that there are some negatives to marriage as well… DDomestic violence IIncrease in work for women BBad marriages can be hazardous to mental and physical health MMarriages can also weaken ties with the wider community

3. Is Marriage Greedy? Involvement with Parents and Siblings

4.  The differences between married, never married, and previously married are not based on race, class (income, education, employment), or age  These differences exist between both men and women  In some cases, the effects of marriage are stronger for men than women

5. Is Marriage Greedy? Involvement with Neighbors and Friends

6.  These differences are not due to class  There are racial/ethnic differences however…the effect of marriage is weaker for African-Americans and Hispanics  Children can help decrease the effect of marriage, as married people with children involve themselves with others…why?

7. Why is marriage greedy?  Material reasons  Married people tend to have more money than singles…and need the help of family and friends less  Emotional reasons  Marriage demands intense emotional involvement  Cultural reasons  Cultural expectations of self-sufficiency  Remember from past readings…people marry now once they have achieved success…not in order to get it  The honeymoon is symbolic of the belief in the married couple as an autonomous unit

8. Marriage Promotion in the US  Politicians and social commentators talk about the value of family  But their view of family is very narrow  Marriage is not always good  They blame the decline in families for the decline in community in society  This is false. Marriage takes away from community and social ties