Marriage is an integral fabric in our society, and we need to discuss its importance. Although marriage is a new topic for policymakers, several organizations and community leaders across the country are calling for it to be placed on the public agenda. For unless we reverse the decline of marriage, no other achievements no tax cut, no new government program, no new idea will be powerful enough to reverse the trend of decline in child well-being. A recent report from the Family Impact Seminar stated only 60 percent of the adult population is currently married and the proportion of children who live with only one parent has more than doubled since 1970. These figures contribute to a larger picture illustrating the need to put marriage on the public agenda.
Many strategies are underway or are being proposed at national, state and community levels.
Barlow is founder and director of Marriage Advocates of America, he is also a member of The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and the American Association of Christian Counselors. He is author of six books including Twelve Traps in Today's Marriage and Just For Newlyweds. He received a doctorate in marriage and family relationships from Florida State University.