As intimate relationships become more and more disposable, governments around the world are increasingly concerned about the changing rates of these personal matters. Can governments influence the progress of blossoming relationships? Is it possible for them to encourage couples to work on their intimate relations before problems arise? Why is marriage the last area of family life to enter the realm of national family policy?

This book examines the role that governments in the UK, Australia and the US play in managing policy challenges in response to social changes in marriage. Elizabeth van Aacker analyses marriage education policies that attempt to foster lasting and satisfying marriages. whilst examining a range of challenges that governments face in implementing these policies, including factors such as religion, romance, gender relations, same-sex marriages and privacy protection. (Author abstract)