Comparison of Research #3

The next paper I reviewed was this one on married and unmarried couples with children.

http://crcw.princeton.edu/workingpapers/WP09-08-FF.pdf

The first thing that really hit me was in the abstract. No it wasn't that they got to the point immediately (as refreshing as it was). It was how if a couple had a child and the father of the baby had an easygoing relationship with the baby's mother's parents, marriage was more likely, even though the relationship stability was not as strong. If the child in the middle of this spent more time with the father's parents then co-habitation was more prevalent. It also went forward with how when parents (of adults) who helped their children, showing social support (praise as well as financial) of the union and child that is the fruit of this union were more likely to succeed, ie. Have a long term marital relationship. The previous points out how important extended family relations are important. I was once told by a very wise person, "you don't just marry the person, you marry their parents, siblings, aunts and uncles!" "It is important to get in good with the mother-in-law as quick as possible or you don't stand a chance". I don't remember who told me these things. Let me tell you, I didn't listen with my first marriage. I did with my second!