Final answer:
The decision for married couples to hold assets in common has implications for financial stability, which can affect marital success. Financial stress is a significant factor in divorce, and a shared asset base can mitigate such stress. Legal and economic systems often assume partnerships in financial matters, supporting the argument for common asset holding.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question about whether married couples should hold all assets in common is a complex one, often addressed in the fields of law, financial planning, and social studies. The decision to merge assets can have significant implications for the stability and economic success of the marriage. Cohabitation before marriage is a trend that some couples choose to test compatibility and share financial burdens, which can have various effects on marriage.
Research from the University of Virginia's National Marriage Project suggests that financial stress is a leading cause of divorce, noting that couples with less than $10,000 in assets are 70 percent more likely to divorce within three years compared to those who have a stronger asset base. Therefore, the decision to hold assets in common might help in creating a shared economic foundation that could potentially reduce financial stress.
Moreover, marriage and family structures are often supported by various legal and economic systems within society. Tax laws, medical laws, and banking procedures typically favor or assume marriage, which presupposes a partnership in financial matters as well. This implies that holding assets in common could be seen as supportive of the family's economic and societal function.