Religion: Desirable Marriages

A notable expert on marriage in the U. S. is Geneticist Paul Popenoe of the Human Betterment Foundation of Pasadena. Last week, Dr. Popenoe gave the Eugenics Research Association in Manhattan an analysis of a study of 669 marriages which ended in divorce. Of these weddings, 68% were performed by ministers. 32% by civil officials. The religious marriages lasted an average of 7.81 years, the non-religious only 5.13 years. Dr. Popenoe’s logic: “It would appear eugenically worth while to pay more attention to promoting the success of desirable marriages by encouraging formal ceremonies.”