The cultural tradition of marriage has long been considered one of the most enduring and meaningful moments in the history of an American’s life. From an anthropological standpoint, marriage in America is a rite of passage that two people partake in once they are economically, socially, and psychologically stable enough to make a long term commitment. This commitment historically has marked the transition from adolescence, to adulthood. One of marriages primary goals is to integrate sex, parenthood, economic cooperation, and emotional intimacy in a permanent union. Marriage has long been held in high esteem because it represents love, which is the very essence of the human condition. The institution of marriage is recognized by the state as a legal union in which the couples can economically profit, and the church recognizes marriage as a union which will bring the couple closer to God. Although marriage has long been one of the most important structures set forth by our society, the amount of people getting married is declining at an unprecedented rate. In 1970, there were approximately 76.5 marriages for every 1000 unmarried women under the age of 15. By the year 2000, the marriage rate dramatically decreased to only 44.5, and 8 years later, the marriage rate hit an all- time low at 34.8 marriages for every 1000 unmarried women. (Lee). The future of marriage looks to either become completely obsolete, or of utmost meaning, due to the decline of the marriage rate over the course of the last 30 years, due to the trends of the increased prevalence of cohabitation, individualism, and the fear of marriage, which could lead to negative impacts on children of single family homes, and on society as a whole.…