A recent study from Canada has examined the link between marriage and income. It found evidence of a “marriage gap”, where the wealthy are mostly married or in cohabiting relationships while the lowest owners are mostly unattached.
The Institute of Marriage and Family Canada (IMFC), which conducted the research, said the findings were of concern because marriage itself is a powerful wealth creator.
The share of married families has declined in Canada since 1976, says the IMFC. It dropped more amongst the middle class and low income earners, causing the marriage gap to widen. However, an unexpected turning point occurred in 1998 as the marriage decline began to level off. A small dip in the number of formally married couples since then has been offset by a growth in common-law couples.
The researchers conclude that the marriage gap between rich and poor remains very large, and is worthy of serious consideration by policymakers.
Source: The Institute of Marriage and Family Canada
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