Assignment
Compose a brief essay of at least 400 words but no more than 600 words (not including your references list) on the following topic, referring to and critiquing relevant ideas from at least three of the readings as you develop your thoughts: What interests, if any, do you believe the state-that is, the government (on all levels)-should have in promoting marriage? Why?
Census figures that present evidence on these topics:
• Births to unmarried women by country
• Marriage and divorce rates by country
• Single Parent Households by country (1980 - 2008)
Women in the Workforce rates (Marriage) by Country
Susan M. Bianchi and Lynne Casper: "American Families" (2000)
Walter Williams: "The State Against Blacks"
Note: Since our BU Library owns the Bianchi and Casper and the Williams essays, you will be prompted to sign in with your BU ID and Password. Once you do, you should be given immediate access to their essays.
Encyclopedia of Sociology: "American Families"
Gertrude Himmelfarb: "Second Thoughts on Civil Society"
Stephanie Koontz: "Taking Marriage Private" (2007).