6 Sociological Insights: Why Marriage Isn’t for Everyone
6 Sociological Insights: Why Marriage Isn’t for Everyone
In 1858, British doctor William Farr penned a statement that would echo through the centuries: “Marriage is a healthy state.” For decades, this assertion went largely unchallenged, with many believing that single individuals were at a disadvantage. However, recent studies have begun to paint a different picture.
Only Half the Population Wants to Marry
In 2017, the U.S. Census Bureau reported a record number of unmarried adults in the U.S. Over 110 million residents were divorced, widowed, or had always been single, accounting for more than 45% of all Americans aged 18 and older. The median age for first marriages has risen to 29.5 for men and 27.4 for women, a trend that shows no signs of reversing.
Living Alone: A Global Trend
Living alone is becoming increasingly popular, not just in the U.S. but worldwide. Historians have observed this trend in 78 countries over the past half-century. In Russia, for instance, the late 1990s saw a significant shift as Russians responded to political and social changes by rejecting the traditional model of early marriage.
Marriage No Longer Equals Adulthood
Half a century ago, marriage was often seen as a rite of passage into adulthood. Today, however, this is no longer the case. Surveys show that completing formal education and establishing a career are now considered more important milestones. A staggering 95% of respondents agreed that these factors, rather than marriage or parenthood, signify adulthood.
Teens Prefer Meaningful Relationships
A study by psychologists Jean Twenge and Pak Heejung found that the percentage of teenagers who had been on a date was at its lowest in recent years. Today’s teens are less interested in casual sex and more focused on finding meaningful relationships with shared interests and similar views on the future.
Single People Have More Sex
Contrary to popular belief, adults over 18 who are not in steady relationships have sex more often than their married counterparts. Research shows that people currently have sex about nine times more frequently than the average person in the early 1990s. Additionally, it’s important to note that some individuals do not experience sexual attraction, a condition recognized in 2017 as a unique sexual orientation affecting 3% of the population.
Relationships Don’t Guarantee High Self-Esteem
Researchers Eva K. Luciano and Ulrich Orth studied over 9,000 adults in Germany and found that the beginning of a relationship only improves self-esteem if the relationship is stable and lasts for at least a year. Those who entered short-term relationships saw a decrease in self-esteem compared to those who remained single. Interestingly, marriage did not confer any additional self-esteem benefits over long-term romantic relationships.
Marriage Doesn’t Improve Health
While it’s often believed that marriage leads to better health, several studies have debunked this myth. Research by Randa Kutob and her colleagues found that women who got married gained weight and drank more than those who remained single. Another study by sociologist Dmitry Tumin surveyed 12,000 people and found no evidence that marriage improved health. In fact, those who were comfortable living alone were likely to live longer and healthier lives.
For a long time, society has perpetuated the belief that marriage is essential for happiness and health. However, recent research suggests that this is not necessarily the case. If you are comfortable living alone, you are likely to live a longer, healthier, and happier life.
