1980s: In 1981 the divorce rate peaks at 5.3 divorces for every 1000 people, before falling off slightly in the next few years.

Today: While the divorce rate drops slightly, it is still generally believed that one out of every two marriages ends in divorce. Cohabitation is a growing trend. The marriage rate continues to drop throughout the 1990s.

1980s: Home mortgages reach double digits, slowing the housing market and making it very difficult for first time home owners to buy a house.

Today: Home mortgages decline to post-World War II record low rates. Financing a house is relatively easy.

1980s: Unemployment peaks at 10.8 percent in 1982, the highest since the Great Depression of the 1930s. Inflation remains high, but businesses are making a slow recovery.

Today: The last half of the decade sees low unemployment rates, low inflation, and a booming economy. In some sectors, notably technology...