Track 25

Unit 12

Sociology

Marriage

Page 120

Extend the topic

Part A

Sharon, thanks so much for joining us today. You’re here today to tell us about something that may surprise many of our listeners, that marriage is good for our health.

Yes, Duke, it’s really true. A major national study recently showed that married people are healthier in nearly every measure of health. Actually, about 40% of married people and only 25% of unmarried people in the US say that they’re very happy with their lives. And psychological health is known to be an important cause of physical health.

And do these benefits extend equally to both the husband and wife?

Well, although both benefit, men clearly benefit more. For example, married men live an average of 10 years longer than their unmarried counterparts.

Isn’t that amazing? Now, why is that?

Well, in addition to the happiness issue, we know that married people tend to have stronger immune systems, closer family relationships and less anxiety. They also tend to consume less alcohol and smoke less.

I see, so there’s a whole host of reasons. Now, do these findings only apply to the US?

No, not at all. The health benefits of marriage have been found in many cultures and in many social groups. It’s quite a widespread phenomenon which by the way, doesn’t seem to apply to couples who simply live together. There really seems to be something important about making a legal commitment to one’s partner.

Really? Fascinating.