They still are it's just that now the market for these commodities is much, much smaller.
Due in large part to the reasons you stated.. People with an unrealistic view of what marriage is and why it's important. They think everyone lives allie McBeal and has a new mercedes for every day of the week.
And if you don't? Well, then you are obviously sleeping with the wrong person..
Now I know why I don't watch television.....My husband summed up his views quite nicely one day and I have never forgotten it....
"Why are women today so intent on becoming lessor beings? They want to be professors, doctors, lawyers ...and we thought Goddess was good enough."