The topic of Love and Marriage has always been up for discussion, however it seems that lately it's especially a hot topic with even economist jumping into the chat. In 2024, only 47.1% of households were headed by married couples—down from 78.8% in 1949. The average age of first marriage has risen to 30.2 for men and 28.6 for women, compared to early 20s in the 1950s.56% of young adults (18–24) live with parents rather than marrying, reflecting economic and cultural shifts. Even with people getting married, in 2022, there were 673,989 divorces and annulments across 45 reporting states, with the average length of a marriage before divorce being 8 years.70% of divorces are initiated by women, often due to emotional labor and unmet expectations.
The trend of women staying single longer is driven by a combination of factors, including career aspirations, financial independence, emotional well-being, and personal freedom. As societal norms evolve, women are increasingly viewing singlehood as a conscious, fulfilling choice rather than a social failure. This shift is particularly evident in urban areas where women have greater access to education, job opportunities, and financial independence. Women are self-sufficient, with careers providing them with financial security. They view marriage as an option rather than a requirement for stability. Relationships often come with added emotional labor, household responsibilities, and societal pressures that can be draining. Many women feel relief after choosing singlehood. Women are prioritizing personal growth, career development, and mental peace over romantic relationships or marriage.
So What Now?Marriage does not have to be completely off the table for many of us, but while it remains an option and not a priority, there are often questions surrounding what a community would look like, with families led by women, instead of men. There’s a rich and diverse history of matriarchal and matrilineal societies where child-rearing was/is a communal responsibility, often centered around women-led households. In Akan and Ashanti cultures, matrilineal inheritance is central—clan identity, property, and political power pass through the mother’s line. Children are raised within the mother’s extended family, with maternal uncles playing key roles in education and discipline. Located in Yunnan and Sichuan provinces, the Mosuo are one of the last matrilineal societies in China. Women head households, make business decisions, and pass property through the maternal line. Children are raised in extended family units, often with uncles playing father-like roles. Their practice of “walking marriages” allows women to choose partners freely, without cohabitation or paternal control. These societies emphasize cooperation and nurturing, not control.
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