It’s a reflection of the poor economy and individuals perception of future prospects.
I think this plays a LARGE part in these stats. I have two sons, 27 & 25. The oldest has a finance degree and a decent job at a local bank. Still though, it was only about a year ago that he was earning enough, and had saved enough to move out on his own.
He's getting married later this year to a very traditional young lady of the same age. I think, he would GLADLY have moved out and married several years ago... if he'd been earning more money.
This.
I personally know of many monogamous couples who avoid the trip down the alter simply because they can’t afford it. Insurance is one of the biggest deciding factors. Keep the woman on gov’t assistance. She gets free college and some EBT. They get back more on their taxes. If they marry, they’d lose too much and the man isn’t capable of closing the gap.
We’re following in Brittan’s footsteps on this one. Within the next few years we’re going to be referring to these unmarried monogamous couples as ‘partners’.
If you reward certain behavior, you’ll get more of it. If you punish other behavior, you’ll get less. Right now, the gov’t is rewarding couples for not getting married and punishing those who do.