Is marriage worth saving?
From Harvard Thinking by Harvard University
March 4, 2026 · 31 min · Season 1 · Episode 23
About this episode
The episode explores the evolving role of marriage in modern society and the challenges couples face.
Marriage has evolved a lot through the years – and so have the problems and rewards that come with it. Research suggests it benefits our physical and mental health, but it might not seem like it when conflict arises and couples struggle to co-manage a household. With greater social acceptance of a variety of lifestyle choices, many people – especially young women – are thinking twice before tying the knot. In this episode, host Samantha Laine Perfas talks with business professor Debora Spar, psychiatrist and family counselor Richard Schwartz, and bestselling author Eve Rodsky about the role of marriage in modern society.
People in this episode
Host: Samantha Laine Perfas
Guests: Debora Spar, Richard Schwartz, Eve Rodsky
Topics covered
- marriage
- relationships
- mental health
- social acceptance
- lifestyle choices
Keywords
- marriage
- conflict
- health benefits
- young women
- lifestyle choices
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Harvard University
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