The forthcoming publication of a new book from a leading Christian research centre underlines the national significance of Marriage Week. Just Sex: Is it ever just sex? explores our culture’s widespread misconception that ‘sex between consenting adults doesn’t harm anyone else’, and emphasises that marriage tends to have a striking range of advantages for couples, their families and society as a whole over other forms of sexual relationship.

The theme of this year’s Marriage Week is ‘Celebrating commitment’. Just Sex? argues that, in contrast to our culture’s sexual watchword of ‘consenting adults in private’, it is the couple’s public declaration of love and commitment in front of friends and family, who in turn promise to support them in their relationship, that gives marriage its intimacy and stability. This factor lies behind the many benefits enjoyed by married couples compared to those who cohabit, divorce or remain single.

Research shows that, on average, married people live longer, earn more and have greater wealth, enjoy greater sexual satisfaction more often, and are less likely to suffer from mental health problems. Marriages break up less often and last much longer than cohabitations (and couples who cohabit before marriage are more likely to break up). Children born into marriages are happier, more likely to do better at school, and to live above the poverty line.

And marriage is good for society. Stable relationships mean less poverty and fewer welfare payments, which means lower taxes. Fewer breakups – the leading cause of bankruptcy – and better job performance means greater financial stability, fewer repossessions, and a stronger economy.

Some try to argue that this is true because couples already in stable, committed relationships with a greater degree of financial security are more likely to marry in the first place, but this is not the whole picture. The public promise of marriage plays an important role in bringing husband and wife closer together, rather than merely symbolising commitment, as many people assume.

Obviously, couples who marry before they are ready risk problems later on. But those who hold off tying the knot unnecessarily may be overlooking a vital aspect of marriage: instead of solely reflecting existing intimacy and stability, marriage typically reinforces them and leads to a deeper quality of relationship.

"Matt, a funny iconoclast of a man who describes himself as 'deeply, absolutely, fabulously' in love with his wife of fifteen years, describes marital love this way: “It means that I never have to worry about it or think about it or have any concern about who she is or how she will feel about me. If she came home and told me she killed somebody, I would say, ‘What did he do?’ I don’t have any doubts about Dina.'" (Linda Waite and Maggie Gallagher, The Case for Marriage)

The Jubilee Centre is a Christian social reform organisation based in Cambridge. For four years the Jubilee Centre has spearheaded original research into sexual ethics and relationships. Its conclusions are due to be published on March 20, 2009 in a book entitled “Just Sex: Is it ever just sex?” Further information about the Jubilee Centre’s work can be found online at www.jubilee-centre.org