Chapter 10 Marriage and Communication in Intimate Relationships 1) Which of the following is True of marriage rates in America? A) Marriage rates are higher among people with college degrees than those without. B) Marriage rates have been steadily increasing since 1980. C) Marriage rates among whites are lower than those among blacks. D) Marriage rates among Latinos are higher than those among whites. Answer: A Rationale: Marriage rates are indeed higher among people with college degrees than those without. Research indicates that individuals with higher levels of education are more likely to marry and tend to delay marriage until they have completed their education and established their careers. 2) Which of the following is typically considered to be a traditional reason for marriage? A) legitimize a nonmarital birth B) adult identity C) desire for children D) rebellion against parents Answer: C Rationale: A desire for children is a traditionally considered reason for marriage. Historically, one of the primary purposes of marriage has been to procreate and raise children within a family unit. 3) Which of the following is considered a latent reason for getting married? A) love and companionship B) social legitimacy C) children D) adult identity Answer: B Rationale: Social legitimacy is considered a latent reason for getting married. While love and companionship are more overt and immediate reasons, social legitimacy refers to the societal validation and acceptance that marriage confers on a relationship. 4) Matthew is of the opinion that a traditional and religious wedding results in a longer and happier marriage compared to a nontraditional simple civil wedding. Which of the following is an accurate statement that weakens Matthew’s argument? A) National data suggest that divorce rates are higher among people who did not have a traditional wedding when compared to those who had a traditional wedding. B) Family practitioners emphasize that the wedding can have far-reaching results on the marriage and that traditional weddings have a more positive impact. C) If couples and their parents go into debt to pay for an elaborate wedding, both groups may experience strained relationships. D) Most in-laws report that they often feel disrespected and snubbed at nontraditional weddings. Answer: C Rationale: Option C weakens Matthew's argument by pointing out that extravagant traditional weddings can lead to financial strain and tension between couples and their families, which may ultimately impact the quality and longevity of the marriage. 5) In a ________ marriage, partners fight, both verbally and physically, but do not believe that fighting is a good reason for divorce. They feel that fighting is an acceptable way to try to solve problems, and they thrive on their incompatibility. A) vital B) conflict-habituated C) devitalized D) passive-congenial Answer: B Rationale: In a conflict-habituated marriage, partners engage in frequent conflicts but do not view fighting as a reason for divorce. Instead, they see it as a normal way to address problems and may even thrive on the intensity of their disagreements. 6) Which of the following is a similarity between vital and total marriages? A) In both vital and total marriages, spouses spend time together more out of obligation than love. B) In both vital and total marriages, spouses thrive on their incompatibility and believe that feuding is an acceptable way to try to solve problems. C) In both vital and total marriages, spouses have fewer expectations from each other and lead fairly independent lives. D) In both vital and total marriages, spouses participate in each other’s lives and share many facets of their lives. Answer: D Rationale: The similarity between vital and total marriages is that in both types, spouses participate in each other’s lives and share many aspects of their lives. This involvement and sharing are characteristic of marriages with strong emotional connections. 7) ________ refers to whether a marriage is intact and whether the spouses have ever suggested divorce to each other. A) Marital satisfaction B) Marital stability C) Marital conflict D) Marital commitment Answer: B Rationale: Marital stability refers to the durability and continuity of a marriage, including whether the marriage remains intact over time and whether the spouses have ever considered or suggested divorce. 8) In ________, partners negotiate adjustments to their new married roles. A) identity bargaining B) role dictation C) role identifying D) marital generalization Answer: A Rationale: In identity bargaining, partners negotiate and adjust to their new roles within the marriage. This process involves defining individual identities within the context of the marital relationship and establishing new roles and responsibilities. 9) James, a graduate student, moved out of his parents’ house for a period of two years. However, he was unable to support himself and decided to move back with his parents. James condition is said to be a part of the ________. A) Silent Generation B) Lost Generation C) boomerang generation D) baby bloomer cycle Answer: C Rationale: James's situation is characteristic of the boomerang generation, which refers to young adults who move out of their parents' homes but later return due to financial or other challenges. This phenomenon has become increasingly common in recent years, particularly among young adults pursuing higher education or facing economic uncertainty. 10) Explain the self-disclosure concept. Answer: Self-disclosure is telling another person about oneself and one’s thoughts and feelings with the expectation that truly open communication will follow. In exchange theory, reciprocal self-disclosure increases partners’ liking and trusting each other, eliminates a lot of guesswork in the relationship, and helps balance costs and benefits. 1) Which of the following is a manifest reason for getting married? A) desire to have children B) social pressures C) economic security D) social legitimacy Answer: A Rationale: A manifest reason for getting married is one that is overt, clear, and easily identifiable. In this case, the desire to have children is a manifest reason because it is a commonly acknowledged purpose for marriage. 2) Which of the following is a difference between manifest and latent reasons for getting married? A) Unlike manifest reasons for getting married, latent reasons emphasize love and companionship. B) Unlike manifest reasons for getting married, latent reasons include commitment and personal fulfillment. C) Unlike manifest reasons for getting married, latent reasons are more likely to result in unhappy, short-term marriages. D) Unlike manifest reasons for getting married, latent reasons are respected and approved by the society. Answer: C Rationale: The difference between manifest and latent reasons for getting married lies in their visibility and immediacy. Manifest reasons are overt and easily recognized, while latent reasons may be less apparent and can sometimes lead to unforeseen consequences, such as unhappy or short-term marriages. 3) In the marriage context, the need for commitment and personal fulfillment are considered to be ________. A) inherent reasons B) manifest reasons C) dormant reasons D) latent reasons Answer: B Rationale: In the context of marriage, the need for commitment and personal fulfillment is considered a manifest reason because it is a clear and overt motivation for entering into a marital relationship. 4) The formalization of a couple’s decision to marry is called a(n) ________. A) betrothal B) nuptial promise C) wedding shower D) engagement Answer: D Rationale: An engagement refers to the formalization of a couple's decision to marry. It is the period between the proposal and the wedding ceremony during which the couple prepares for marriage. 5) Which of the following is a function of engagements? A) It gives the couple the chance to strengthen their identities as individuals. B) It provides couples with the opportunity to copulate legally. C) It signals that the union is inherently legal. D) It sends a hands-off message to other interested sexual partners. Answer: D Rationale: One function of engagements is to signal to others that the couple is committed to each other and unavailable for romantic or sexual pursuits. It serves as a clear indication to other potential partners to respect the exclusivity of the relationship. 6) Which of the following is traditionally True of an engagement ring? A) It symbolizes eternity. B) It emphasizes that the partners are sexually committed. C) It indicates that the couple has a child out of wedlock. D) It indicates the presence of a prenuptial agreement. Answer: A Rationale: Traditionally, an engagement ring symbolizes eternity and commitment. It is often a precious metal band with a gemstone, such as a diamond, symbolizing the eternal nature of love and the enduring commitment of marriage. 7) In honor of her impending marriage, Jenna’s female friends and relatives organized a get together in which they presented her with personal and household gifts. This ritual is often referred to as a(n) ________. A) prenup B) baby shower C) engagement D) bridal shower Answer: D Rationale: A bridal shower is a traditional pre-wedding celebration where friends and family of the bride gather to shower her with gifts, often items for her new home or personal items for the wedding and honeymoon. 8) Maria, a wealthy businesswoman, was engaged to Ryan. Before the marriage, Maria’s parents insisted that Ryan should sign an agreement that would absolve Maria from parting with her wealth to Ryan in case of a divorce. Such an agreement is known as a(n) ________. A) exclusionary clause B) voidance agreement C) prenuptial agreement D) due process clause Answer: C Rationale: A prenuptial agreement is a legal contract entered into by a couple before marriage that outlines how assets will be divided and managed in the event of divorce or death. It can address issues such as property division, spousal support, and inheritance rights. 9) Which of the following is True of using a wedding ceremony? A) It is used to provide authenticity to the engagement ceremony. B) It legalizes the couple’s ability to adopt children. C) It is used to justify the bridal shower. D) It reinforces the idea that the marriage is a permanent bond. Answer: D Rationale: A wedding ceremony serves to formalize and celebrate the marriage union between two individuals. It often includes rituals, vows, and declarations of commitment, reinforcing the idea of a permanent bond between the couple. 10) Megan is of the opinion that prenuptial agreements (prenups) do not serve any purpose and set a pessimistic tone for a marriage and foster a lot of problems. Which of the following is an accurate statement that weakens Megan’s argument? A) If a contract is executed in a state other than the one in which it was drawn up, the couple will have legal problems enforcing a prenup. B) People are likely to change over time and the prenups may not reflect the attitude and behaviors of the persons involved. C) If one partner has considerable assets, a prenup will help make the divorce less complicated. D) Because men usually are the ones who suffer financially after a divorce, a contract gives them some legal protection. Answer: C Rationale: Option C weakens Megan's argument by highlighting one of the practical benefits of prenuptial agreements. By clearly outlining asset division and financial arrangements in the event of divorce, prenups can help simplify and expedite the divorce process, particularly in cases involving significant assets. 11) Stephen and Molly, a married couple, constantly fight and engage in both physical and verbal abuse. However, they don’t believe that such fights are a reason to obtain a divorce. In this scenario, the couple is involved in a ________ marriage. A) devitalized B) conflict-habituated C) total D) vital Answer: B Rationale: A conflict-habituated marriage is characterized by frequent fights and disagreements between partners, often involving both verbal and physical abuse. Despite these conflicts, the couple does not see them as reasons for divorce and may even thrive on the conflict. 12) When Mike and Julie were first married, they spent much of their time together and had a strong, satisfying sex life. As time passed, they spend less time with each other and more time raising the children, entertaining, or meeting community responsibilities. They did so out of a sense of obligation rather than out of love. Mike and Julie's marriage may be characterized as ________. A) vital B) conflict-habituated C) devitalized D) passive-congenial Answer: C Rationale: A devitalized marriage is characterized by a decline in emotional intimacy and satisfaction over time. Partners may continue their marriage out of obligation or convenience rather than genuine affection or love. 13) In a ________ marriage, the partners have a low emotional investment in the marriage and few expectations of each other. A) passive-congenial B) total C) vital D) conflict-habituated Answer: A Rationale: A passive-congenial marriage is characterized by low emotional investment and minimal expectations from each other. Partners may coexist without much intimacy or involvement in each other's lives. 14) Alexander and Marianne are in a passive-congenial marriage. Which of the following statements is most likely to convey their opinion about their marriage? A) Practicality is more important in a marriage than emotional intensity. B) Love and affection sustain a marriage; conflicts can always be resolved by compromise. C) Participating in each other’s lives and making sacrifices for each other. D) Quarreling and feuding are normal between couples and conflicts over minor issues do occur in a marriage. Answer: A Rationale: In a passive-congenial marriage, practicality and convenience often take precedence over emotional intensity or affection. Partners may prioritize practical aspects of the relationship over romantic ideals. 15) In a ________ marriage, the partners’ lives are closely intertwined. They spend a great deal of time together, resolve conflicts through compromise, and often make sacrifices for each other. A) passive-congenial B) devitalized C) total D) vital Answer: D Rationale: A vital marriage is characterized by a strong emotional connection and involvement between partners. They share their lives closely, resolve conflicts through compromise, and prioritize each other's well-being. 16) In a ________ marriage, the partners participate in each other’s lives at all levels and have few areas of tension or unresolved hostility. A) total B) utilitarian C) devitalized D) passive-congenial Answer: A Rationale: A total marriage involves high levels of emotional investment and involvement in each other's lives. Partners share many aspects of their lives, have few unresolved tensions, and prioritize the relationship above other concerns. 17) According to Cuber and Haroff, which of the following is True of a passive-congenial marriage? A) It is considered a utilitarian marriage. B) It is characterized by high involvement. C) It involves high emotional investment. D) It is considered to be an intrinsic marriage. Answer: A Rationale: According to Cuber and Haroff, a passive-congenial marriage is considered a utilitarian marriage because it is often based on practicality and convenience rather than emotional investment or intimacy. 18) According to Cuber and Haroff, which of the following is characterized as an intrinsic marriage? A) passive-congenial marriage B) devitalized marriage C) conflict-habituated marriage D) total marriage Answer: D Rationale: According to Cuber and Haroff, a total marriage is characterized as an intrinsic marriage because it involves high emotional investment and close involvement between partners, reflecting an intrinsic commitment to the relationship. 19) Cuber and Haroff characterized devitalized marriages as ________ marriages because it appeared to be based on convenience. A) utilitarian B) intrinsic C) essential D) active Answer: A Rationale: Devitalized marriages, characterized by a decline in emotional intimacy and satisfaction, are considered utilitarian marriages because partners may continue the relationship out of convenience rather than genuine emotional connection. 20) Which of the following is a similarity between a conflict-habituated marriage and a devitalized marriage? A) Both types involve a great deal of verbal and physical violence. B) Both types involve specific conflicts that are quickly resolved through compromise. C) Both types involve commitment to staying married. D) Both types involve a great deal of emotional intensity and affection. Answer: C Rationale: Both conflict-habituated and devitalized marriages involve a commitment to staying married despite challenges or difficulties in the relationship. Partners in these marriages may choose to continue the relationship for various reasons, even if emotional intimacy or satisfaction is lacking. 21) Stan and Lily have been married for over ten years and their lives are closely intertwined. They like to spend a lot of time together and are quick to resolve any disputes that may occur. Also, they are willing to make sacrifices for each other in order to make the marriage work. In this scenario, the couple has a ________. A) devitalized marriage B) vital marriage C) passive marriage D) congenial marriage Answer: B Rationale: A vital marriage is characterized by a strong emotional connection, close involvement between partners, spending a lot of time together, resolving disputes efficiently, and being willing to make sacrifices for each other's well-being. 22) Couples in a devitalized marriage differ from couples in a vital marriage in that couples in a devitalized marriage ________. A) participate in each other’s lives at all levels B) have few areas of tension or unresolved hostility C) resolve conflicts through compromise D) spend time together out of obligation rather than love Answer: D Rationale: Couples in a devitalized marriage may spend time together out of obligation rather than genuine affection or love, which is characteristic of a vital marriage where partners enjoy spending time together due to their strong emotional connection. 23) Which of the following is a difference between a passive-congenial and a total marriage? A) Unlike in a passive-congenial marriage, spouses in a total marriage maintain separate activities and interests. B) Unlike in a passive-congenial marriage, spouses in a total marriage thrive on their incompatibility. C) Unlike in a total marriage, spouses in a passive-congenial marriage have a low emotional investment in the marriage. D) Unlike in a total marriage, spouses in a passive-congenial marriage make sacrifices for each other and take interest in each other’s lives. Answer: C Rationale: In a passive-congenial marriage, there is a low emotional investment in the marriage, whereas in a total marriage, spouses have a high emotional investment and are closely intertwined in each other's lives. 24) Couples in total marriages differ from couples in passive-congenial marriages in that couples in a total marriage ________. A) have a low emotional investment in the marriage B) have few areas of tension or unresolved hostility C) thrive on their incompatibility D) believe that feuding is an acceptable way to try to solve problems Answer: B Rationale: Couples in total marriages typically have few areas of tension or unresolved hostility, unlike couples in passive-congenial marriages where there may be a low emotional investment and minimal involvement in each other's lives. 25) According to Cuber and Haroff, which of the following is an example of a utilitarian marriage? A) conflict-habituated marriage B) vital marriage C) total marriage D) intrinsic marriage Answer: A Rationale: A conflict-habituated marriage, characterized by frequent conflicts and fights, is considered a utilitarian marriage according to Cuber and Haroff due to its pragmatic and often conflict-driven nature. 26) According to Cuber and Haroff, which of the following is an example of an intrinsic marriage? A) conflict-habituated marriage B) passive-congenial marriage C) vital marriage D) devitalized marriage Answer: C Rationale: A vital marriage, characterized by a strong emotional connection and involvement between partners, is considered an intrinsic marriage according to Cuber and Haroff due to its inherent emotional investment and commitment. 27) Which of the following illustrates the difference between intrinsic marriages and utilitarian marriages? A) Utilitarian marriages tend to be more encompassing than intrinsic marriages. B) Most marriages in America fall under intrinsic marriages rather than utilitarian marriages. C) Couples have a higher involvement rate in intrinsic marriages when compared to utilitarian marriages. D) Partners in intrinsic marriages are less capable in resolving disputes than their counterparts in utilitarian marriages. Answer: C Rationale: The difference between intrinsic marriages and utilitarian marriages lies in the level of emotional investment and involvement. Intrinsic marriages, characterized by high emotional investment and involvement, contrast with utilitarian marriages, which are often pragmatic and driven by practical considerations. 28) Couples in conflict-habituated marriages differ from couples in total marriages in that couples in conflict-habituated marriages ________. A) participate in each other’s lives at all levels B) have few areas of tension or unresolved hostility C) believe that feuding is an acceptable way to try to solve problems D) spend a lot of time together out, but out of obligation rather than love Answer: C Rationale: Couples in conflict-habituated marriages often believe that feuding is an acceptable way to solve problems, whereas couples in total marriages typically have fewer areas of tension and may resolve conflicts through compromise rather than continuous feuding. 29) Which of the following is True of same-sex marriages? A) Federal benefits are not afforded to legally married same-sex couples. B) It is prohibited in a majority of American states. C) Empirical studies on lesbian marriages are abundant. D) Newly married same-sex couples tend to be younger than their different-sex counterparts. Answer: B Rationale: As of now, same-sex marriage is not prohibited in a majority of American states; however, it is not universally legal across all states, and its legality can vary depending on local laws and regulations. 30) ________ refers to whether each partner sees the marriage as a good one A) Marital satisfaction B) Marital constancy C) Marital stability D) Marital recognition Answer: A Rationale: Marital satisfaction refers to the subjective evaluation of the quality and happiness of the marriage by each partner. It reflects each partner's perception of the marriage's overall goodness or positivity. 31) In order to predict divorce and understand inadequate parenting, psychological distress, and poor physical health, researchers are likely to measure ________. A) marital feasibility B) marital stability C) marital satisfaction D) marital longitude Answer: C Rationale: Marital satisfaction is a crucial measure for researchers to understand various aspects of marital well-being and its implications for individuals' psychological and physical health, as well as parenting behaviors. It provides insights into the overall happiness and contentment within a marriage. 32) Which of the following is an accurate statement concerning Americans’ self-reports of marital happiness? A) Men report being less happily married than women. B) Both marital stability and marital satisfaction tend to be higher for those with a college education. C) Marital happiness increases when couples experience poverty, job loss, and financial problems. D) People who were married in their teens tend to be happier than people who marry after age 20. Answer: B Rationale: Research indicates that both marital stability and marital satisfaction tend to be higher among those with higher levels of education, suggesting that education plays a role in marital well-being regardless of gender. 33) Some researchers claim that married people are healthier than their unmarried counterparts because healthy people are attracted to others who are like themselves. This phenomenon is referred to as the ________effect. A) protection B) robust C) emotional D) selection Answer: D Rationale: The selection effect posits that healthier individuals are more likely to enter into and maintain marriages, leading to the appearance that married people are healthier overall compared to unmarried individuals. 34) When Martha was asked how she felt about her marriage, she replied that she was happy. She said that getting married helped her get past her depression and overcome financial problems as her husband is very supportive. Martha’s marriage exemplified the ________. A) placebo effect B) ripple effect C) protection effect D) selection effect Answer: C Rationale: Martha's experience reflects the protection effect, where marriage provides emotional, physical, and financial support, leading to improved well-being and health outcomes. 35) Neil believes that, in general, married people tend to be healthier than unmarried people. Which of the following is an accurate statement that supports this view? A) Studies have found that marriage increases anxiety levels leading to health problems. B) Marriage is found to decrease risky activities such as driving too fast and smoking. C) Sociologists have observed that marriage itself does not improve health. D) Cohabitants report being happier than married couples because their relationships are more flexible. Answer: B Rationale: Research indicates that marriage tends to decrease risky behaviors such as reckless driving and smoking, contributing to better health outcomes among married individuals compared to unmarried ones. 36) The selection effect differs from the protection effect in that ________. A) the protection effect posits that marriage helps increase a person’s health by decreasing the opportunities for risky activities B) the selection effect posits that it is marriage itself, and not the choice of the mate that increases a person’s health C) the protection effect does not take the couple’s health into account D) the selection effect entails that receiving emotional, physical, and financial support from a spouse improves one’s general health Answer: A Rationale: The selection effect focuses on the healthier individuals being more likely to enter into marriage, while the protection effect emphasizes the beneficial aspects of marriage, such as support, leading to improved health outcomes. 37) Keith is of the opinion that, overall, married women are less healthy than married men. Janet, on the other hand believes that marriage benefits women more than men. Which of the following is an accurate statement that strengthens Keith’s view? A) Many married women enjoy “emotional capital” because husbands provide nurturing and companionship. B) Women work harder if the marriage is distressed and tend to neglect their own health while caring for family members. C) Men typically are more attuned than women to the emotional quality of marriages. D) Married women who work full time tend to have fewer domestic responsibilities. Answer: B Rationale: Keith's view is supported by the fact that married women may face health challenges due to caregiving responsibilities and stress associated with distressed marriages, leading to neglect of their own health. 38) The gradual deterioration of love and ultimate loss of an emotional attachment between married partners is called ________. A) the divorce slide B) marriage deterioration C) disaffection D) marital burnout Answer: D Rationale: Marital burnout refers to the gradual erosion of emotional attachment and love between married partners, often leading to a decline in marital satisfaction and quality. 39) Stuart and Kelly have been married for ten years. Over the past few years, Kelly has become disenchanted with the marriage and the couple has experienced a loss of emotional attachment. Stuart provides for the family but does not confide his problems with his wife and prefers his friends’ company. In this scenario, the couple is experiencing ________. A) total marriage B) marital burnout C) congenial burnout D) identity bargaining Answer: B Rationale: Stuart and Kelly's experience exemplifies marital burnout, characterized by a loss of emotional attachment and fulfillment in the marriage, often leading to emotional disengagement and distancing between partners. 40) ________ refers to the specific ways that married couples define their behavior and structure their time. A) Marital roles B) Marital burnout C) Marital bargaining D) Marital conflict Answer: A Rationale: Marital roles refer to the expectations, responsibilities, and behaviors that married couples adopt within the relationship to organize their interactions and division of labor. 41) The process by which newly married partners modify their idealized expectations and deal with the realities of living together is called ________. A) identity bargaining B) cognitive bias C) cognitive dissonance D) role conflict Answer: A Rationale: Identity bargaining involves the negotiation and adjustment of roles and expectations within a marriage as partners transition from idealized expectations to dealing with the practical realities of living together. It encompasses the renegotiation of roles and responsibilities to align with the actual circumstances of the relationship. 42) After their marriage, Carlos and Rosanne decided that they would share cooking and cleaning responsibilities. However, over a period of time, Carlos resented these household responsibilities as he is also the primary breadwinner in the family. In this scenario, the couple is trying to structure their ________. A) marital conflict B) marital nuances C) marital roles D) marital resentment Answer: C Rationale: The couple is attempting to structure their marital roles by dividing household responsibilities. However, Carlos's resentment indicates a potential mismatch between their expectations and realities, highlighting the importance of negotiating and adjusting these roles. 43) Ben and Melissa, a married couple, agree that Melissa will share household duties such as cooking, cleaning, and washing equally. Also, since both partners are working, they decide to hire a full-time babysitter for their one-year-old son. Which of the following steps in the process of learning marital roles and identity bargaining is seen in this scenario? A) treating the partners as a friend B) identifying with the roles C) negotiating changes in their new roles D) treating the partner as a confidant Answer: C Rationale: Negotiating changes in their new roles involves discussing and agreeing on the distribution of household responsibilities, as well as making decisions such as hiring a babysitter. This step is essential in the process of learning marital roles and identity bargaining. 44) Kurt, a sociologist, claims that unmarried couples are less likely to be happy than their married counterparts. Which of the following accurate statements strengthens Kurt’s argument? A) Unlike their married counterparts, unmarried couples cannot legally raise their children as their own. B) Unlike their unmarried counterparts, married couples tend to have smaller extended family ties. C) Unlike their unmarried counterparts, married couples are reported to have greater financial security and stability. D) Unlike their married counterparts, unmarried couples are generally afraid of being ridiculed by society. Answer: C Rationale: Greater financial security and stability among married couples compared to unmarried couples contribute to higher levels of happiness, as financial stress is often cited as a significant source of relationship dissatisfaction. 45) When he turned 18, Jim wished to move out of his parents’ home. Jim’s mother reluctantly agreed to let him leave, but felt depressed and lonely after a few months. She experienced a lessened sense of well-being as well. In this scenario, Jim’s mother is experiencing the ________. A) empathy syndrome B) boomerang syndrome C) flying the coop syndrome D) empty-nest syndrome Answer: D Rationale: Jim's mother is experiencing the empty-nest syndrome, characterized by feelings of loneliness, sadness, and a sense of loss experienced by parents when their children leave home. 46) Young adults who live away from their parents’ home for a while and then return to it are referred to as the ________. A) baby boomer group B) Silent Generation C) G.I. Generation D) boomerang generation Answer: D Rationale: The boomerang generation refers to young adults who leave their parents' home for a period and then return to live with them again, often due to economic or other life circumstances. 47) Blake left his parents’ house at the age of 20 in order to be independent. However, he was unable to find a steady job and support himself financially. Due to the economic circumstances, he was forced to move back into his parents’ home. Blake’s condition is characteristic of the ________. A) boomerang generation B) Baby Boomers C) Silent Generation D) privileged generation Answer: A Rationale: Blake's situation aligns with that of the boomerang generation, where young adults leave home for independence but return due to financial or other challenges. 48) Nicky, a social theorist, opines that in order to have a good relationship, each partner must be willing to tell the other about their own thoughts, about themselves, and their feelings, with the expectation that open communication will result from it. In this scenario, Nicky is advocating ________. A) esteem support B) validation C) self-disclosure D) scapegoating Answer: C Rationale: Nicky is advocating for self-disclosure, which involves sharing personal thoughts, feelings, and experiences with a partner in order to foster open communication and intimacy in a relationship. 49) During a heated debate about marriage, Jake opines that men are more dominant in most relationships. However, Ronald disagrees and states that most American families are egalitarian. Both Jake and Ronald respect each other’s opinion and politely agree to disagree. In this scenario, Jake and Ronald are exhibiting ________. A) validation B) information support C) cognitive dissonance D) reciprocal self-disclosure Answer: A Rationale: Jake and Ronald are exhibiting validation by respecting each other's opinions, acknowledging their differences, and agreeing to disagree without escalating the conflict. 50) Sandra is of the opinion that conflicts in a marriage aren’t always negative and are sometimes important. On the other hand, Jacob believes that conflicts always erode relationships. Which of the following is an accurate statement that is most likely to support Sandra’s point of view? A) Some sociologists believe that if partners recognize and actively attempt to resolve conflicts, it can strengthen a relationship. B) Studies have found that most conflicts end in compromise which is the worst way of ending a conflict. C) Even discrete, isolated disagreements invariably result in chronic relationship problems. D) Conflicts happen only among spouses who are incompatible; partners who are supportive and caring family members do not face conflicts. Answer: A Rationale: Supporting Sandra's view, some sociologists argue that conflicts, when handled constructively, can lead to greater understanding, problem-solving, and strengthening of the relationship. Recognizing and resolving conflicts can contribute to marital growth and resilience. 51) Briefly explain why U.S. marriage rates are falling. Answer: Attitudes about marriage are changing. In 2010, 39 percent of Americans said that marriage is becoming obsolete, up from 28 percent in 1978. In many cases, single people get more tax breaks than married couples. Because of tough economic times, 20 percent of 18- to 34-year-olds have postponed marriage. Economic downturns have a more negative impact on less-educated. Americans are more like to cohabit than to marry. Cohabitation and nonmarital births have now become socially acceptable. 52) Briefly describe any two latent reasons for marriage. Answer: One: Social Legitimacy: Getting married to legitimate a nonmarital baby is one of the worst reasons for marrying (even though some religious groups might disagree). Often, the partners are young, one or both may not want to marry, and the couple may have only sex in common. Two: Social Pressure: Often, well-meaning married couples tell their single friends that marriage will bring happiness. Relatives can be relentless in nagging singles to get married. Even if parents are divorced, they often encourage their children to marry. 53) Describe the functions of an engagement. Answer: Traditionally, an engagement formalizes a couple’s decision to marry. It sends a hands-off message to other interested sexual partners. Moreover, it gives both partners a chance to become better acquainted with their future in-laws and to strengthen their identity as a couple. An engagement also provides an opportunity for secular or religious pre-marital counselling, especially if the partners are of different religions or racial and ethnic backgrounds. 54) Before their marriage ceremony took place, Ashton and Melinda decided to sign agreement that would dictate what would happen in the event of a divorce. Identify and briefly explain such an agreement. Answer: In this scenario, the couple has signed a prenuptial agreement. Prenuptial agreements cover numerous topics—from adultery to wills. The contracts also include agreements about disposing of premarital and marital property, whether the couple will have children (and how many), the children’s religious upbringing, who gets the dog, protection of retirement accounts, and whether there will be combined or his and her savings and checking accounts. 55) Kenneth and Carla, a married couple, were initially in love. However, they grew emotionally apart over the years, but have decided to remain together for the sake of their children. Identify, and explain the type of marriage present in this scenario. Answer: This scenario is an example of a devitalized marriage. In a devitalized marriage, the partners were deeply in love when they married. As the years go by, they spend time together—raising the children, entertaining, and meeting community responsibilities—but begin to do so out of obligation rather than love. They get along and, as a result, don’t want a divorce. One or both partners may be unhappy, but they are both committed to staying married. 56) Briefly describe a passive-congenial marriage. Answer: In a passive-congenial marriage, the partners have a low emotional investment in the marriage and few expectations of each other. Fairly independent, they achieve satisfaction from other relationships, such as those with their children, friends, and coworkers. They often maintain separate activities and interests. Passive-congenial couples emphasize the practicality of the marriage over emotional intensity. 57) Briefly describe marital stability and marital satisfaction. Answer: Marital stability refers to whether a marriage is intact and whether the spouses have ever suggested divorce to each other. Marital satisfaction refers to whether each partner sees the marriage as a good one. 58) Ralph opines that married people are happier than unmarried people. However, Nick disagrees and states that single people are more likely to be happy than married people. Provide a brief explanation that strengthens Ralph’s argument. Answer: Generally, married people are happier than unmarried people because marriage improves an already happy life rather than creates one. People who are satisfied with life and have a rich social network of family members, friends, and co-workers have little to gain from marriage. On the other hand, people who are lonely and dissatisfied can sometimes find companionship by marrying. 59) Studies have shown that negotiation of new roles and understanding is required for a successful marriage. Provide a brief explanation that strengthens the arguments made in these studies. Answer: The partners involved in a marriage must negotiate changes in their new roles. If, for example, neither likes doing housework, grocery shopping, paying bills, or maintaining cars, then problems arise as to who will perform such tasks. Failure to agree on who does what can lead to resentment and conflict. 60) Hugh, a sociologist, postulates that self-disclosure is beneficial only under certain conditions. Identify the conditions under which self-disclosure is considered beneficial. Answer: Self-disclosure is beneficial under four conditions. 1. Esteem support can reduce a person’s anxiety about troubling events. If the listener is attentive, sympathetic, and uncritical, disclosure can motivate people to change significant aspects of their lives. 2. Disclosure can provide instrumental support if the listener offers concrete help, such as grocery shopping or sharing child care responsibilities. 3. A listener may be able to offer information support through advice and guidance. 4. Even if a problem isn’t easily solved, listeners can provide motivational support. Test Bank for Marriages and Families Nijole V Benokraitis 9780205957224, 9780134736150
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