Are these the reasons less people are marrying?

Question

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.

Answer 1

because theres lots of sexy golddiggers

Answer 2

First off, it's sad that anything that happens to straight couples always has something to do with homosexuals! I think it's a stupid scapegoat to blame falling marriage rates on gays. Gays have always been around, after all. You could make the argument that gays are less inclined to marry members of the opposite sex, and you would probably be right, but is that a bad thing? I don't think so. Better to have a falling marriage rate than a rising divorce rate.

Don't forget, some people don't get married these days simply because they can't afford all the traditional garbage that goes with marriage: a ring, a gown, a cake, a tux, a ceremony, a reception. Who can afford 10K for such nonsense? Why not just go to Hawaii instead?

Isn't it a disadvantage to be married when it comes to taxes as well?

Answer 3

Sorry but most of your reasons are way out of line.
#1-homosexuals have been living together doesn't affect marriage in anyway except preventing the potential for it to go up. It does not make a decrease in it.
#2Cost of living has always been expensive. Yeah you can buy less with a dollar now but back then they had less dollars to buy more with...get me?
#3 Society has always been sexual bud. They just talked about it less openly back then, then they do today. Yay for less taboo...like on here.
#4 Ok so this one isn't as bad. Many people will get in a relationship where they live together and just be like...ummm why get married or never think about it.
#5. Not just economics but in society in general. Women can walk around unescorted and it's not taboo, etc.

I want to end with reemphasizing that society is NOT more sexual than it has been. People have been having sex for thousands of years with many people, known or not. The only thing that's changed is the openness of discussion of sex.

Answer 4

I think the #1 reason is commitment, people don't want to be commitment to each other. I agreed with you about people find it easier now a day to live together as roomates instead of live in partners.

Answer 5

I think it's because divorce rates are higher than they've ever been. The odds are getting worse that a couple can stay married.

Answer 6

Married didn't work for me, and from some ethic or religious believe is farts to be. Is just institutions without doors, you have to break the walls to get out for air.

Answer 7

*blink blink* Less marriage? Do we even live on the same planet? People are getting married all the time. And then they get divorced.

Answer 8

Perhaps. Yet very illogical.
People like myself still marry for love 1st, companionship 2nd.

Answer 9

most likely i feel with marriage it causes one to expect more and this causes problems when you are single and just dating you are content knowing thats what it is so you dont push and expect change.

Answer 10

Don't believe everything you read,I bet just as many people are marrying as before.How many of your friends are married?

Answer 11

I think you answered your own question... everything you mentioned sounds good to me... I agree with all of it and I didn't have to do all the typing.