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The Women’s Marriage Paradox

April 7, 2026
The Women’s Marriage Paradox

Survey data from AEI’s Survey Center on American Life reveal that fewer than one in three women believe that women who marry and have children live fuller, happier lives. Simultaneously, married women report about twice the levels of happiness and much greater financial security than their unmarried, childless peers.

AEI’s Brad Wilcox and Yifeng Wan of the University of Virginia will explore what these paradoxical patterns might suggest: In an era of heightened digital distraction, isolation, and reevaluated life priorities, might marriage still matter—perhaps more than ever—for women’s emotional well-being?

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