Some futurologists have assumed that the vast upsurge of women in the workforce may portend a 1 of marriage. Many women, according to this hypothesis, would rather work than marry. The 2 of this concern is that the prospects of becoming a multi-paycheck household could encourage marriages. In the past, only the earnings and financial prospects of the man counted in the marriage decision. Now, 3 , the earning ability of a woman can make her more attractive as a marriage partner. Data show that economic downturns tend to 4 marriage because the parties cannot afford to establish a family or are 5 rainy days ahead. As the economy 6 , the number of marriages also rises. 　　 7 with the increase in women working outside the home is the increase in divorce rates. Yet, it may be wrong to jump to any simple cause-and-effect conclusions. The impact of a wife's work on divorce is no 8 cloudy than its impact on marriage decisions. The realization that she can be a good provider may increase the chances 9 a working wife will choose divorce over an unsatisfactory marriage. But the reverse is equally 10 . 11 grounded in financial problems often play a key role in ending a marriage. Given high unemployment, inflationary problems, and slow growth in real earnings, a working wife can increase household income and 12 some of these pressing financial burdens. By raising a family's standard of living, a working wife may strengthen her family's financial and emotional stability. 　　Psychological factors also should be considered. 13 , a wife blocked from a career outside the home may feel 14 in the house. She may view her only choice 15 seeking a divorce. On the other hand, if she can find fulfillment through work outside the home, work and marriage can go together to create a 16 and more stable union. 　　Also, a major part of women's inequality in marriage has been due to the 17 that, in most cases, men have remained the main breadwinners. With higher earning capacity and status occupations outside of the home 18 the capacity to exercise power within the family. A working wife may 19 a husband of being the master of the house. Depending upon 20 the couple reacts to these new conditions, it could create a stronger equal partnership or it could create new insecurities.