More People Are Saying ‘I Do Not’ to Marriage, But Why?
Some people are not drawn to the idea of having traditional weddings, or even getting married. A recent study suggests that weddings are becoming less of a thing these days. The Thriving Center of Psychology conducted a survey involving over 900 millennials and Gen Zers who are currently in relationships but have not pursued marriage. The purpose of the survey was to gather information about their current living situations and their outlook on future arrangements.
The findings revealed an interesting trend about marriage. Although a majority of the participants in the survey (83%) expressed a desire to marry eventually, many are taking a more leisurely approach. The reason for this hesitation seems to be connected to financial considerations. Also found in the study is that 73% of respondents considered the current economic conditions too costly for weddings. Interestingly, 54% of those surveyed made the decision to cohabit with their partners, at least partially due to financial constraints.
Marriage and financial matters
In the past year, the national average cost of a wedding escalated to $30,000, signifying a $2,000 increase from the previous year, according to a separate survey by The Knot. However, steering away from financial matters, the survey also unveiled an overwhelming 85% of respondents believe that marriage is not an essential component of a dedicated relationship.
Looking at different parts of the country, it turns out that certain cities are less marriage-oriented than others, with Toledo, Seattle, and Spokane leading the pack in terms of unmarried cohabiting couples.
Marriage stats
Additionally, the data highlighted that in 2022, over one-third (34%) of people aged 15 and above had never been married. This represents a substantial increase from the 23% reported in 1950, as indicated by statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau. Curious about other reasons why younger people may not prioritize marriage? Dive into the full study for a deeper understanding and to gain more insights here.
