Thousands of social science results indicate that a healthy, stable and happy marriage is an optimal relationship for the psychological, emotional and physical well being of adults and children. Functional families are one of the strongest influences on the growth of human competence, and mental and emotional well being.
At a time when marriage and family are under constant siege, Kevin Andrews' thoroughly researched book provides a timely and telling case for making the strengthening of these essential bedrocks of a healthy society a number one priority. Kevin Andrews highlights those factors which social scientists from all over the world believe benefit or detract from marital success, and examines the ways in which individuals, communities and governments can help to create more successful marital unions.
“This is a reasoned and thoroughly documented call to take the future of marriage as seriously as we take the future of the economy, education, and health care. I have never seen the case made better for marriage as a public good worth preserving and promoting, and not just a personal life style. ‘Maybe I Do’ also has a human touch, reflecting the author's many years as an educator of young couples. It's a terrific contribution from a national leader.” - William J. Doherty, Ph.D., is professor of Family Social Science, University of Minnesota, and director of the Minnesota Couples on the Brink Project. .
Andrews' clarion call for rebuilding a marriage culture capable of sustaining humanity's most fundamental social institution ought to be heard - and acted upon - throughout the western world. - George Weigel, Distinguished Senior Fellows,
About the Author
Kevin Andrews has been a member of the Australian Parliament since 1991. He has served as an Australian Cabinet Minister, chairman of the Opposition Parties’ Policy Committee, and chairman of the Parliamentary Committee that produced the report, To have and to hold – strategies to strengthen marriage and relationships. He currently serves as the Minister for Social Services. He regularly writes in the media, publishes a policy magazine, and has spoken at a series of international conferences.
Kevin is married to Margaret, and they have five children. Together with a group of other couples, they founded the Marriage Education Programme in 1980. The Programme has provided pre and post marriage courses for more than 20,000 people.
