The Risk of Dissolution in Remarriage: An Examination of Cherlin's Hypothesis of Incomplete Institutionalization

Abstract

The authors examine the hypothesis developed by Andrew Cherlin that the high rate of dissolution of remarriages stems from the incomplete institutionalization of remarriage. U.S. data from the June 1975 Current Population Survey are used to confirm the hypothesis in general; however they do not provide evidence that remarriers with children run a significantly greater risk of separation or divorce. Reasons for the frequency of second marriage breakdowns are discussed. (ANNOTATION)