Marriages are less stable because couples are no longer committed to long-term relationships. For example, New York and Pennsylvania are ranked fifth in divorce rates. Although divorce static's are alarmingly high, there are many Americans that still believe in the institution of marriage. Marriage and family patterns are changing to adjust to the economic independence brought on by the industrial revolution. An equal marriage partnership is becoming more prevalent as Americans enter the new millennium.
Marital egalitarians believe in shared household duties, financial equality, and equal gender roles.
Nontraditional family arrangements are being molded into society. More couples are living together rather than committing themselves to the institution of marriage. Blended families that divorce and remarry are becoming the norm of the community. Single-parent families are increasing among all economic groups. It is certain that the overall structure of the traditional nuclear family is changing, but the concept of a family remains strong.