Final answer:
Difficulties in marriages with poorly differentiated partners manifest through financial stress, conflicting values, and potential increased divorce rates. Effects of such marital issues extend to emotional stress on children, especially with the evolution of family structures. However, a strong desire for lifelong marriages persists, highlighting the importance of marital commitment.
Step-by-step explanation:
When two poorly differentiated partners marry, several challenges may arise, potentially leading to conflict and strife. This could stem from various issues such as economic disparities, conflicting values, and life goals, or familial obligations, such as bride wealth and bride service in unilineal societies. Additionally, the stress from events like the birth of children, especially multiples, can increase the likelihood of divorce.
Couples who lack strong assets, encountering financial stress, are significantly more prone to ending their marriage. Conversely, stability and commitments like marriage can have legal and emotional significance, as evidenced by the struggles faced by gay and lesbian couples in the face of legislation like DOMA and Proposition 8. Furthermore, long-term studies suggest that while high-conflict homes may warrant divorce, most divorces arise from lower-conflict homes, negatively impacting the emotional well-being of children more than the unhappiness within the marriage itself.
The addition of children or blending families introduces complexities that can amplify stress. Despite the prevalence of divorce and complexity in family dynamics, research shows that desire for strong, lifelong marriages remains high among individuals, signaling the enduring value placed on marital commitment.