"Also this year, the IMFC published a study on the relationship between marriage and wealth in Canada. It found that in 2011, 86 per cent of Canada’s top quartile of income earners were married or in a common-law relationship. Only 12 per cent in the bottom quartile said they were married or living common-law. Historically, the so-called 'marriage gap' widened after 1976: Marriage rates among high-income earners remained high, but declined among middle- and low-income earners — those, ironically, least able to withstand a serious drop in income.
The impact of this shift is felt not only by the adults involved, but by their kids. Author Peter John Mitchell concluded that 'marriage helps secure friend and family networks in times of need such as job loss or the loss of a family member. And stable married families also serve as an avenue for social mobility for children.'”
Read the full article online here: http://www.ipolitics.ca/2014/11/24/like-it-or-not-theres-a-link-between-child-poverty-and-marriage/