September 20th 03, 05:26 PM
Survey to gauge ideas on marriage
The results from the University of Florida's study will guide Gov.
Bush's plans to lower the state's divorce rate.
WEST PALM BEACH - (AP) -- A new survey will ask Floridians about their
morals, views on marriage and whether the state should start programs
to promote it.
University of Florida researchers, who received $157,000 from the
state to conduct the research, said the Florida survey will provide
the most complete picture of Florida's families to date. The results,
due to the Department of Children & Families in December, will guide
plans for Gov. Jeb Bush's statewide initiative to strengthen families
and reduce the divorce rate.
Researchers plan to get answers to the 20-minute questionnaire from
6,000 residents. They have already polled more than 3,000 people. Any
Florida resident over 18 can get a call, though researchers are
focusing on welfare recipients and residents of South Florida,
Orlando, Jacksonville and the Tampa Bay region.
Benjamin Karney, the UF psychology associate professor who designed
the survey, said it was developed to peek inside Floridians' homes.
'It will allow us to see what kind of people say `I'm happy with my
relationship,' and what kind of people say 'I'm not happy,' '' Karney
said.
The survey will attempt to see how many residents stick to traditional
values. Some questions ask whether ''the important decisions in the
family should be made by the man of the house,'' and if ``it is better
for a family if the man earns a living and the woman takes care of the
home.''
The study will also ask about living together and sex before marriage,
and if single mothers can do as well for their children as married
couples. If parents are fighting, the survey asks if it is better for
the children that the parents divorce.
The survey resembles one conducted in Oklahoma, the first state to
develop a large-scale program to encourage lasting marriage. Leaders
there incorporated the survey results into marriage classes.
Before coming to Florida last year, DCF Secretary Jerry Regier led
Oklahoma's faith-based initiatives office and the state's marriage
program.
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/state/6798033.htm
The results from the University of Florida's study will guide Gov.
Bush's plans to lower the state's divorce rate.
WEST PALM BEACH - (AP) -- A new survey will ask Floridians about their
morals, views on marriage and whether the state should start programs
to promote it.
University of Florida researchers, who received $157,000 from the
state to conduct the research, said the Florida survey will provide
the most complete picture of Florida's families to date. The results,
due to the Department of Children & Families in December, will guide
plans for Gov. Jeb Bush's statewide initiative to strengthen families
and reduce the divorce rate.
Researchers plan to get answers to the 20-minute questionnaire from
6,000 residents. They have already polled more than 3,000 people. Any
Florida resident over 18 can get a call, though researchers are
focusing on welfare recipients and residents of South Florida,
Orlando, Jacksonville and the Tampa Bay region.
Benjamin Karney, the UF psychology associate professor who designed
the survey, said it was developed to peek inside Floridians' homes.
'It will allow us to see what kind of people say `I'm happy with my
relationship,' and what kind of people say 'I'm not happy,' '' Karney
said.
The survey will attempt to see how many residents stick to traditional
values. Some questions ask whether ''the important decisions in the
family should be made by the man of the house,'' and if ``it is better
for a family if the man earns a living and the woman takes care of the
home.''
The study will also ask about living together and sex before marriage,
and if single mothers can do as well for their children as married
couples. If parents are fighting, the survey asks if it is better for
the children that the parents divorce.
The survey resembles one conducted in Oklahoma, the first state to
develop a large-scale program to encourage lasting marriage. Leaders
there incorporated the survey results into marriage classes.
Before coming to Florida last year, DCF Secretary Jerry Regier led
Oklahoma's faith-based initiatives office and the state's marriage
program.
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/state/6798033.htm