As social science research data and government surveys increasingly show, the decline in marriage since the 1960s has been (47)______ by a rise in a number of serious social problems. Children born (48)______ or whose parents divorce are much more likely to experience poverty, abuse, and behavioral and emotional problems, have lower academic achievement, and use drugs more often. Single mothers are much more likely to be victims of (49)______ violence. With the rise in these problems comes high program costs to deal with the effects of the (50)______ of marriage.
For children whose parents remain married, however, the benefits are real. (51)______ from these families have been found to have better health and are less likely to be depressed, are less likely to (52)______ a grade in school, and have fewer developmental problems. The (53)______ of such mounting evidence for social policy are immense. Too many welfare programs continue to undermine marriage among the poor and must be reevaluated.
Members of Congress should recognize from the wealth of social science research that the most effective way to reduce child poverty and increase child well-being is to increase the number of stable two-parent married families. The findings of the Princeton University and Columbia University Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study show that many unwed mothers have high expectations for the future of their children and their own chances of marrying their child’’s father. The findings show that a (54)______ of unwed fathers want to be involved in their child’’s life and also have hopes for marriage.
It is time for Congress to (55)______ policies and programs that would help such couples make a permanent (56)______ to each other and their children, and begin reaping the emotional, health, educational, social, and economic benefits of marriage.
Word Bank
A) probable B) breakdown C) implement
D) repeat E) accompanied F) up to date
G) participate H) out of wedlock I) majority
J) adolescents K) implications L) complex
M) domestic N) commitment O) breakthrough