Hark the distant sound of wedding bells. A new study on young Americans' (defined as 20 to 24 year-olds) views on marriage reveals that the nuptial tradition remains alive and well. At least, in theory. From the article:

- Among the unmarried young adults, despite all their romantic relationships, most say they aren't in a hurry to wed. Fifty-seven percent say they don't want to be married "now" and 17 percent are "neutral" on the subject. Only 26 percent say they are ready to take the leap.

- Almost everyone plans on getting married. Only 5 percent of unmarried young adults say it's "unimportant" to marry someday, while 50 percent say it's "very important." About 70 percent say they expect to marry by their early 30s.

- Cohabiting with a romantic partner, however, is a distinct possibility. When asked whether they agree with the statement, "It is all right for an unmarried couple to live together even if they are not interested in considering marriage," 57 percent of young adults say yes. Nineteen percent are neutral; 24 percent say no.

What sticks out to me here is less the trend of postponing marriage and unmarried cohabitation (topics we've touched on before), as the structure that appears to be solidifying around these progressive concepts, i.e., cohabitation as the appropriate step a couple is supposed to take before getting engaged, and conceding "the early 30s" as the acceptable age range at which to get married.

Even before the downturn kicked into full force, the media had identified the new life phase that was emerging between college and adulthood as "The Odyssey Years." A designation that seems all the more appropriate given the number of young people recently thrown off course. It also lends itself to the idea that temporarily setting aside wedding plans is less a move to eschew the traditional values ascribed marriage, than a gesture towards preserving, and even elevating them, by placing the rite of passage on the horizon of a brighter, more stable future.

In some ways the Millennial long view of marriage is not unlike our approach to finding that fulfilling career of our dreams. At once romantic (check out the chart pictured here) and anxiety inducing, it subsides on the the hope that there is no need to settle, because, after all, ideal is out there waiting to be discovered. Modern times may have allowed for an extension to permit for  self-discovery and career-building, but it seems we haven't evolved  past the need for an eventual deadline to couple up and settle down.

For more campus coverage, visit the Ypulse Campus Channel, sponsored by Campus Media Group.

Categorized under: Collegians

You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site. If you are a Facebook user, comment using your Facebook account.