This chapter focused on different types of marriage and the components to a successful one. The author discussed five types of marriage, which fell into two rough categories. In the first category, the primary focus is on the utility and convenience of the system of marriage; it includes passive congenial, devitalized, and conflict-habituated. The other group is comprised of vital and total marriage. It emphasizes the emotional benefits of marriage and the intertwining of the participants' lives. The author then goes on to address the components of a successful marriage, which included personality compatibility, positive attitudes, and communication and conflict resolution. She emphasized communication as a vital component, in that a balance of it is required to overcome inevitable conflict.
What I learned:
I had read before about the health benefits for married couples (on Cracked, natch), but it was interesting to see that the author agreed. I had assumed that this was an unconventional stance because of what it says about the differing affects of the structures of the alternatives to marriage.
Discussion:
I was wondering what everyone thought of the quote on page 272 about the fact that "his" marriage is better than "her" marriage. I would like to see the studies that the author drew her conclusions from, as they seem to conflict with some of the things I've learned from Dr. Whelan about the changing dynamics in marriage.
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