The Downfall of Marriage
The current rate of marriage has dropped over the past 150 years. And it is a global trend–not just in the U.S. So, why? Across many sources, I came to the consensus that there are four common denominators: 1. Women in the Workforce 2. Economic Factors/ Income Inequality 3. Relationship Dynamics 4. Contraception Use The first reason is that the workforce has become more inclusive of women. Truly a monumental moment in history. However, as women become so focused on investing in their careers, they become one-minded –and in return, delay marriage.. often opting it out entirely. A potential explanation for the growing gap is that growing economic inequality and the decreased economic outlook for less-educated men have led to the retreat of marriage. There is a greater income gap coming into play, and the poor are getting poorer. Couples living in areas with greater income inequality are less likely to get married before having their first child. Marriage faces opposition from t...