The most important background factor in shaping marital outcomes is socioeconomic class.
A ethnicity.
B age at marriage.
C religion.
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: B) age at marriage
Explanation (300 words):
While multiple background factors influence marital outcomes, age at marriage is consistently identified by researchers as the most significant predictor. Studies have shown that individuals who marry in their late 20s or early 30s tend to have more stable marriages compared to those who marry in their teens or early 20s. This trend is largely due to increased maturity, better decision-making, greater emotional regulation, and more financial stability as people age.
Younger individuals often lack the life experience, financial independence, and psychological readiness necessary to navigate the complexities of a long-term partnership. Marrying early may also mean making decisions before fully understanding one’s own goals or values, which can lead to incompatibility and conflict down the line. Data shows that the divorce rate is significantly higher for those who marry before the age of 25, especially before 20.
In contrast, although socioeconomic class, ethnicity, and religion do influence marital dynamics—such as levels of stress, cultural expectations, or support networks—they do not have as strong or consistent a correlation with divorce rates or overall marital satisfaction as age at marriage does. Socioeconomic class affects access to resources and stress levels, but couples from various classes can have strong or weak marriages. Religion and ethnicity also shape values and expectations, but their influence varies widely by individual belief and cultural integration.
Ultimately, while all these factors interplay in complex ways, age at marriage stands out in empirical research as the most crucial background factor. Marrying at an age when both partners have developed a strong sense of identity, career direction, and communication skills dramatically improves the odds of a successful and lasting marriage.