RACE DIFFERENCES IN MARITAL WELL-BEING

This article investigates the role of race in marital well-being. I ar gue that recent evidence suggests that lower levels of marital well-be ing are evident for African Americans. Using national sample data of 2 ,059 married individuals, the analysis provides support for this hypot hesis. Blacks are significantly less likely than whites to feel their marriages are harmonious, and black women are less likely to be satisf ied with their marriages than white women. Three possible explanations for these patterns are considered, resulting in the finding that spou sal emotional support and financial satisfaction intervene in the rela tionship between race and marital well-being. However, the relationshi p between race and marital well-being is not explained by any of these factors.