READERS GUIDE
You’ll Do: READING GROUP GUIDE1. Before reading You’ll Do, how would you have described the purpose of marriage? Have your views changed?
2. Historically, marriage was the primary relationship around which the family was organized. What are the benefits or detriments of organizing families around the marital relationship rather than other caregiving relationships? What might a world without marriage look like?
3. Marrying for money is often seen as devaluing marriage. Do you agree? Why do Americans largely view marriage and money as incompatible?
4. Historically, married people occupied a much higher social status than the unmarried. Is this still true today? If so, is it for the same or different reasons than in the past?
5. Should marriage ever be a defense to criminal prosecution?
6. In the past, non-marital childbearing was viewed as hugely problematic. Why was this? How has this view changed, or not changed, over time?
7. What are some of the unique parenthood challenges faced by same-sex couples? Has the right to marry effectively addressed these problems?
8. Why might the traditional marital bargain remain appealing to modern couples?
9. Why are women still more likely to marry for money and men more likely to marry for attractiveness? Is this difference innate or the result of social and economic factors?
10. How much does the ability to divorce affect one’s willingness to marry? What are the pros and cons of making divorce harder? What do you think would happen to marriage if it became harder to leave unhappy marriages?
11. Women tend to be the primary readers of this book. Why do you think that is? Why might women be more interested in marriage and its implications than men?
