The decline in marriage rates and the apprehension towards parenthood among young people in America is a concerning trend. While conservatives view the decline in marriage as a negative development, liberals are less concerned. However, studies have shown that marriage has a positive impact on community involvement and civic life. The societal support for marriage and family is lacking, with cultural institutions and social media promoting negative narratives and economic costs of raising a family increasing. Young adults today feel less pressure to marry and are hesitant to make the commitment due to personal development priorities and questioning traditional social arrangements. The decisions about marriage and parenthood have implications for the civic health of the nation, making it a matter of concern for all.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage rates declining, more young people delaying or avoiding dating | Decrease in marriage rates and traditional family structures | More individuals opting for alternative forms of relationships or remaining single | Cultural shifts, economic factors, changing societal norms |
| Young women express reservations about starting families, believe marriage benefits men more | Shift in attitudes towards marriage and parenthood | More young women opting out of starting families and prioritizing personal development | Gender equity, changing societal norms, self-empowerment |
| Ideological divide in views about marriage and its importance to society | Differences in perspectives on the significance of marriage | Conservatives view decline of marriage as negative, liberals see it as a good thing | Political beliefs, changing societal norms |
| Marriage positively associated with greater community involvement | Marriage linked to increased community participation | Married individuals more active in civic life, participating in community activities | Sense of belonging, social cohesion, shared values |
| Lack of societal support for marriage and starting families | Limited reassurance and cultural promotion of negative narratives | Cultural institutions promoting negative narratives on relationships, high economic costs of raising a family | Cultural influences, economic factors, media portrayals |
| Young adults feeling less pressure to marry | Decrease in societal pressure to get married | Growing number of young adults not feeling pressured to get married | Changing societal norms, individual autonomy |
| Marriage and parenthood seen as risky choices | Questioning the value and risks of marriage and parenting | Young adults questioning traditional social arrangements and prioritizing personal development | Changing societal norms, individual autonomy |
| Marriage and parenthood decisions have an impact on civic health | Understanding the societal implications of marriage and parenting | Recognition of the role of marriage in fostering social connectedness and community participation | Importance of social institutions, civic engagement, social cohesion |