There is an ongoing debate about whether marriage as an institution is weakening or becoming obsolete, particularly in developed societies. There are several factors that may be contributing to this trend:
1. Increase in cohabitation and long-term unmarried relationships. Many couples now live together without marrying first or at all. This can be seen as an alternative to marriage. Estimates suggest cohabiting couples now make up about 20-25% of unmarried opposite-sex couples in the US.
2. Rise in single parent families. There has been a significant increase in single parents raising children on their own. This suggests that marriage is not necessary to have a family. According to the US Census, about 36% of American children now reside with a single parent at least part of the time.
3. Change in socioeconomic status and marriage benefits. Historically, marriage conferred economic benefits and status. Today, women have greater financial independence, inheritance laws treat cohabiting partners equally, and there is more social acceptance of unmarried partnerships. These gains undermine some traditional benefits of marriage.
4. Individualism and preference for autonomy. There is evidence that cohabitation and remaining single are partially driven by a preference for independence, self-focus, and avoiding commitment to marriage. Stronger individualism may be contributing to a desire for more autonomous relationships.
5. Religious and cultural shifts. Declining religious participation and rising secularism also play a role, as religion traditionally placed emphasis on marriage and family formation. Cultural shifts toward greater sexually permissiveness have also made non-marital relationships more accepted.
however, despite these trends, most experts do not believe marriage will completely disappear. Marriage still confers legal, financial, and family benefits for many couples. And for those who do marry, marriage rates in most developed nations have stabilized or only declined modestly. There is also more diversity in relationship types, including civil unions and long-term committed partnerships. So, while marriage may face more alternatives and postponement today, it likely remains resilient as an institution.