The recent trend of American women giving up on marriage, as highlighted in a Wall Street Journal article, reflects significant demographic shifts and changing societal attitudes.
Economic and Educational Gaps: Women are increasingly outpacing men in economic and educational achievements. For instance, more women than men attend college and buy houses, leading to a focus on careers and financial independence over marriage.
We didn’t see this decades ago because women lacked the opportunities men enjoyed. While it’s debatable whether men and women are equal today, one can’t debate whether the sexes are a lot closer than in decades past.
Rise in Earning Power and Decline in Social Stigma: With increased financial independence, women are more choosy about their partners. There is also less social stigma associated with being single, allowing women to prioritize self-improvement and friendships over marriage.
Historically, a man’s financial prowess greatly enhanced his attractiveness to women, acting as an essential safety net. Yet, in our modern society, having a solid education and a great job alone no longer suffice for many women.
This change is largely because many women now share these attributes themselves.
Today, women are also looking for men who have a captivating smile, maintain physical fitness, and possess a keen sense of style. This evolving expectation contributes to the increasing prevalence of male loneliness.
Higher Expectations and Disappointment: Piggybacking off the above, many women report dissatisfaction with the quality of potential partners. A 2023 survey found that half of college-educated women blamed their single status on an inability to find someone who meets their expectations, compared to less than a quarter of single men.
Men, the world has gotten more competitive.
Shift in Priorities and Values: There is a growing divide in political beliefs and family values between men and women. Women are more likely to prioritize equality in relationships and are less interested in traditional roles.
On a first date today, it’s not uncommon for a woman to ask a man if he cooks.
Decline in Marriage Rates: Both men and women are experiencing a decline in marriage rates, partly due to reduced societal pressure to marry and the influence of dating apps, which can create a perception of always having better options available.
Online dating gives us the ability to meet hundreds of dating prospects in a very short time. However, the idea that “more is always better” doesn’t always hold true, especially when it comes to choices. When faced with a vast array of choices, people often struggle to make any decision at all. Also, a wider range of options can lead to higher – and unrealistic – expectations. People may expect that with so many choices available, they should be able to find the “perfect” solution. When reality falls short of these inflated expectations, dissatisfaction can result.
Overall: American women are increasingly embracing singlehood as a fulfilling lifestyle choice, thanks to the career opportunities now available to them. This shift not only mirrors broader societal changes but also highlights a powerful sense of personal empowerment. By choosing this path, women are asserting their independence and redefining traditional norms, making it clear that singlehood can be just as rewarding and enriching as any other life choice.
My 2 cents: As a bachelor who has never been married, I still think marriage is the better option (for women and men) IF you find the right fit.