The visibility of payoffs and punishments isn't a dimension of game theory I've considered much. It has to make a huge difference.

I agree that it's at least directionally correct.

I also wonder if reducing specialization in marriages has hurt cooperation. When roles are clear and distinct, it's obvious why each spouse/parent is essential and must cooperate with the other. I'd have to think through this point more, but specialization and division of labor are responsible for an enormous amount of economic productivity.

Undisciplined

Oh yes, that's the article's take as well. I keep mixing up the getting married dilemma and the staying married dilemma - and the modern and traditional matrices. 

k00b

culture

Human Reproduction as Prisoner's Dilemma

I know there are economists who argue that the modern welfare state, which explicitly punishes marriage, has made defection a dominant strategy for women, as well.