NPR states that, "When it Comes to Marriage, May Say, 'I don't'" in this radio podcast which shares the findings of a Pew report. "Half a century ago, nearly 60 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds were
married. Today, it's just 20 percent. But the Pew report finds fewer
married people across all age groups. In
their place: more singles, single parents, couples living together —
many having children without marrying. In fact, some 40 percent of all
U.S. births are now to unmarried mothers. But the driving force in the
dropping marriage rate? People who do tie the knot are waiting longer
than ever."
"The Pew report finds the median age when people finally walk down the
aisle is at an all-time high — 26 for women and nearly 29 for men. And
it's higher still for the college educated. On the other hand, for those who do marry, there's an upside to waiting,
at least for women. Coontz says for every year a woman delays marriage —
into her early 30s — she reduces her risk of divorce."
I'm constantly pondering this question and it feels good to know that I am not alone in questioning the longevity of marriage, especially for GenXers.
