Divorced or unmarried men were routinely judged less qualified for bank loans or job promotions , sexually active single women were stigmatized , and out-of-wedlock children had few legal rights . 40 percent of adults in America say marriage is obsolete , yet most say they want to marry . Barbara also asks , why the disconnect ? She cites changed gender roles , and expectations for financial stability in America . Coontz : Widening economic gap in America is reflected in marriage gap .
40 percent of adults in America say marriage is obsolete , yet most say they want to marry . Barbara also asks , why the disconnect ? She cites changed gender roles , and expectations for financial stability in America . Coontz : Widening economic gap in America is reflected in marriage gap .