In Conclusion: Threads in the Fabric

Abstract

Aspects of American society conducive to separation, sources of strain between partners, beliefs and norms about marital permanence, and evidence as to dissolution‐precipitating events are examined in the light of the articles in the issue, employing the 4‐factor Kanter (and Jaffe) model. Needs and possible directions for future research and theory construction are discussed, with consideration given to social policy implications.