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Changing attitudes toward marriage and single life
Family Planning Perspectives
|November 1, 1982
Summary
Young Americans increasingly view singleness as a valid lifestyle, though most still plan to marry. Parental pressure to marry has lessened, with marriage expectations shifting towards later ages and balancing career goals.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Demography
- Family Studies
Background:
- Societal norms regarding marriage have evolved significantly over the past two decades.
- The legitimacy of singleness as a life choice is increasingly recognized by younger generations and their parents.
- Traditional views on the primacy of marriage are diminishing in contemporary American society.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine contemporary American attitudes toward marriage and singleness.
- To understand evolving expectations regarding marriage timing, duration, and its role in life plans.
- To assess the influence of parental attitudes and divorce experiences on marriage perspectives.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the 1980 Study of American Families.
- Review of multiple studies on young Americans' attitudes toward marriage.
- Examination of reported expectations concerning marriage and life goals.
Main Results:
- A majority of Americans no longer view marriage as inherently superior to remaining single.
- While most young people still expect to marry (over 90%), they anticipate marrying at later ages.
- Young adults increasingly desire to prioritize education and career experience before marriage, with women valuing marriage more than men.
Conclusions:
- The societal imperative to marry has weakened, with less stigma associated with remaining single.
- Young Americans maintain a positive outlook on marriage, expecting lasting unions despite high divorce rates.
- Future marriage trends will likely reflect later ages at marriage and a greater emphasis on individual life goals.