Final answer:
Marital decisions are influenced by personal observations, cultural background, and religious beliefs. While Asian individuals are more likely to marry and African Americans less so, subjective well-being in marriage depends on many factors, including the quality of relationships and societal support.
Step-by-step explanation:
The issue Monique is facing regarding the decision to marry or not can be influenced by various factors, including observations of parental relationships, personal beliefs, cultural backgrounds, and religious values. Research suggests that marital decisions are often shaped by these influences, reflecting broader social trends and personal experiences.
It has been shown that various demographic groups have different tendencies when it comes to marriage. For instance, Asian individuals are more likely to marry, while African Americans are less likely. The value placed on religion also impacts marital status, but this may vary across different subgroups.
On the question of subjective well-being, both single living and married life can have their merits. However, the living arrangement cited by research with the highest subjective well-being is not unilaterally determined. Variables such as the quality of the relationship, individual preferences, and the legal and societal support systems available to unmarried partners like same-sex couples can all influence the outcome of subjective well-being. Therefore, the optimal living arrangement for subjective well-being is highly dependent on individual circumstances and societal context.