Many young men today are exposed to voices arguing that marriage offers no benefit—Andrew Tate famously asserted in 2022 that “there are none” for men, that marriage leads only to ruin, and that monogamy weakens male vitality. But a careful examination of social science offers a very different picture—one that aligns with Catholic teaching and lived experience.
Why Marriage Still Matters
- A Source of Deep Happiness & Well‑Being
Married adults are consistently happier and more fulfilled. According to Gallup data from 2009–2023, 61% of married adults aged 25–50 were considered “thriving” in well‑being, compared to only 45% of never‑married adults—a 16‑point advantage across all racial and educational groups. This gap is even greater for men, reaching 20 points.
Similarly, the General Social Survey in 2022 found that married men (ages 18–55) were roughly twice as likely to report being “very happy” compared to their unmarried peers. Married fathers led the way, with 35% describing themselves as very happy versus less than 15% of unmarried fathers. - Health, Longevity & Financial Stability
Marriage also contributes to better health and longer life. According to HowStuffWorks and Wikipedia, married men are less likely to smoke, drink excessively, or suffer severe illness, and they generally recover faster when they do get sick.
Depression rates are significantly higher for the unmarried: a study reported by The Sun found single adults have a 79% higher risk of depression, divorced adults 99% higher, and widowed adults 64% higher compared to married individuals.
Financially, marriage provides stability. According to Wikipedia, married men enjoy an average 15% “marital wage premium,” and households with married couples generally see greater earnings and net worth over time. - Children Thrive Best in Stable Marriages
Children raised in married households fare better in almost every measure. According to The Atlantic and Institute for Family Studies, kids in intact marriages are more likely to graduate from college, earn higher incomes, and avoid depression or criminal behavior. The proportion of children living with married parents even rose from 64% in 2012 to 66% in 2024, reflecting the stabilizing role of marriage.
How Marriage Has Evolved and Why It Still Works
Modern marriages differ greatly from those of the 1950s. Today, according to The Atlantic, husbands spend roughly 9 hours per week on child care—up from 2.5 hours in 1965—and are now providing about 62% of what mothers do.
Divorce rates have also improved. According to Census.gov and Institute for Family Studies, the U.S. divorce rate has dropped by nearly 40% since the 1980s, and first marriages now have only a 40–44% lifetime chance of ending in divorce.
Marriage is becoming more selective—more common among those with education and stable jobs—but its benefits cross every demographic. According to The Atlantic, working‑class and Black Americans are also experiencing lower divorce rates, and marriage continues to predict higher happiness and financial security.
What Catholics Should Hold in Mind
Marriage is a sacrament, not just a social contract. The Church teaches in the Catechism (§1601) that marriage is a covenant of self‑giving, sanctity, and fruitfulness.
Research confirms that the quality of marriage matters. According to The Atlantic, wives under 55 who rated their husbands highly on attentiveness, fairness, provision, and protection were 81% likely to say they were “very happy,” compared to just 25% when few of these qualities were present.
For men, marriage often inspires growth in virtue, responsibility, and ambition. This aligns perfectly with the Catholic vision: fortitude, sacrifice, and self‑giving love. Successful marriages require ongoing effort—communication, prayer, and commitment—echoing the advice of relationship experts cited by The Washington Post.
A Catholic Invitation
Andrew Tate’s claim that marriage offers “zero statistical advantage” for men does not hold up under scrutiny. Marriage continues to provide profound psychological, spiritual, physical, and economic benefits—for those willing to invest in it.
For young Catholic men:
- View marriage as a path to holiness and joy, not limitation.
- Build a covenant rooted in prayer, respect, and sacrificial love.
- Prepare emotionally, spiritually, and financially to be a faithful husband.
When lived faithfully, marriage remains one of God’s greatest gifts—a source of joy for spouses, strength for families, and a witness to love in the world.
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