For the first time ever, married-couple households are in the minority both in the UK and the US, outnumbered by single-person households and cohabiting couples. Whilst many blame the stresses of modern life and the failure of couples to invest enough time in their relationships, could it actually be the reverse? Woman’s Hour discusses the history of marriage with Professor Stephanie Coontz who argues in her book , “How Love Conquered Marriage” that couples are straining marital bliss by relying far too heavily on each other for emotional fulfilment. Should we learn a lesson from the Victorians by getting closer to our friends? Andrew Samuels, Professor of Psychology at Essex University joins the discussion.
“Marriage, a History: How Love Conquered Marriage” by Professor Stephanie Coontz’s is published by Penguin. ISBN 0-14-303667-X
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