Making Marriage Work: A History of Marriage and Divorce in the Twentieth-Century United States

by Kristin Celello

By the end of World War I, the skyrocketing divorce rate in the United States had generated a deep-seated anxiety about marriage. This fear drove middle-class couples to seek advice, both professional and popular, in order to strengthen their relationships. In Making Marriage Work , historian Kristin Celello offers an insightful and wide-ranging account of marriage and divorce in America in the twentieth century, focusing on the development of the idea of marriage as "work." Throughout, Celello illuminates the interaction of marriage and divorce over the century and reveals how the idea that marriage requires work became part of Americans' collective consciousness.

Genres: History

230 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not a marriage improvement book. It’s a sociological analysis of how Americans came to see marriage as “work”. Not surprisingly the entire concept is rooted in patriarchy. Divorce must be avoided at all cost and women are obligated to do the work that prevents it.

[Jenna Pretzel · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book on the history of marriage in the United States during the 20th century.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is definitely not for anyone who is not a big sociology dork like I am (or unless they have to read it for a class or use it for research). The book is based on the author's dissertation and basically follows the institution of marriage and the roles expected to be held by each partner in the marriage through the 20th century. I enjoyed it, but as I said it is not for the average reader.

[Christina Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well researched. Clearly shows how the burden for sustaining marriages has continued to fall more heavily on women.