I believe there are multiple reasons (in no particular order) why there are less "traditional" marriages in households than there have been:
1.) Homosexuals living together that are not in a traditional marriage - domestic partners. They cannot get married (except for Massachusetts).
2.) It is getting more expensive to live. People that graduate high school and college have less money (when adjusted for inflation) than in the past. They need to take on roommates and are quicker to rush into living with their "significant other" prior to marriage.
3.) Sexual/societal changes with regards to sex. People are more willing to try a sexual partner and make sure that they are compatible before marriage.
4.) People will live together for a time before getting married in order to make sure that they are socially compatible with regards to family values (taking out trash, throwing clothes on the couch, dishes, laundry, finances). It has its pluses and minuses.
5.) Women are now getting closer to men in economic equity (although I believe this will never be achieved in my lifetime). I believe it is up to $0.80 per every dollar that a man makes in the same position on average. This has allowed owmen to more freely live "independent" from men and have more choices about their own lives. This also follows in the previous point that people can try out a partner and still be able to be on their own in case it doesn't work out. Women are basically becoming more impowered (before I get backlash, I like the fact that there is more gender equality for money. I like my girlfriend when she buys the movie tickets and I buy the dinner. I make more money so I spend more on what I can - I'm an engineer, she's a teacher; just a fact of life I will make more).
6.) Teen pregnancy is down across the country (thank god), but pregnancy by individuals between 20-30 who are not married has not declined. This has caused people to move in together so that they can support a child. The other option is abortion (I won't go there) or adoption.
Lastly, the sentiment of "why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free," is losing its credibility because I have noticed multiple women who are on the prowl for a partner just like a "traditional" man. I think we are in a more sexual environment (for better or worse). People want friends and loved ones to be close so they live together. With the country getting more crowded, people are getting more roommates and living with people they like (or love).
Thank you.
2006-10-16
11:59:22
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13 answers
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asked by
Anonymous