Which factor contributes to variations in marital longevity by race?

• A. Socioeconomic status and acculturation.
• B. Genetic determinism.
• C. Astrological signs.
• D. Only education level.

Answer: (A)

Differences in how long marriages last across racial groups are driven mainly by social and cultural factors, not biology. Socioeconomic status shapes stability in a relationship through resources, financial security, housing stability, job stress, and access to support like counseling or childcare. When resources are tight or stress is high, disagreements about money, time, and parenting can put more strain on a marriage, increasing the likelihood of separation over time. Acculturation—the process of adapting to the norms and expectations of the broader society—also matters. Different communities may hold varying beliefs about marriage, gender roles, and the acceptability of divorce; these norms interact with economic realities to influence decisions about staying together or parting ways. Together, these social and cultural dynamics explain why marital longevity can vary by race more than any genetic factor or purely educational level.

Genetics don’t account for these patterns, astrology isn’t a credible factor here, and narrowing to education alone misses the broader economic and cultural context that truly shapes marital outcomes.