21st Century American culture is hyper-focused on romantic relationships as the core element of "family". We examine the prevalence of this family form cross-nationally and historically. We review the sources of solidarity of such unions and review evidence on the strength of such unions in post industrial societies. We pay special attention to forces of solidarity in long term, stable and "successful" unions.
Work Group: DiPrete, Sanders, Casper, Lesthaeghe, Smock, Brandon
