Includes bibliographical references (p. [391]-428) and index.

Introduction -- Historical perspectives on marriage -- Comparing marriage, cohabitation, and being single -- Entering marital and cohabiting unions -- Influence of parental youth factors before birth of study child -- Influence of parental factors during childhood and adolescence of the children -- The courtship process and union formation -- Religious affiliation and commitment -- The influence of attitudes, values, and beliefs -- Educational influences -- Work, earnings potential, and career aspiration -- Conclusions.

Electronic reproduction. Palo Alto, Calif. : ebrary, 2009. Available via World Wide Web. Access may be limited to ebrary affiliated libraries.