CM ST: Percentage of Unmarried People on the Rise ?

source: www.gettyimages.com

According to the 2006 census done by Statistics Canada, there are more unmarried people than married ones in the country. Though the statistics were compiled from last year, the decline in traditional marriages has been on the decline since years. Although these statistics were for Canada only, this trend can be seen in other western societies too.

There are a number of factors that contribute to the decision of people who choose to remain unmarried. Over the years, the education period has lengthened and more and more women have chosen to get a better education to the highest level possible or that they can afford. Focusing on education and afterwards on their careers or employment opportunities, women have delayed their marriages. Also with the increasing costs of living standards that have been steadily going up since years, the individuals have to keep in mind the costs associated with having and raising children if they want to start a family. There are also personal reasons like the freedom associated with living a single life without anyone else’s burdens and responsibilities and having a social life. There is also another major factor that plays a part, and that is the uncertainty of a happy stable married life that should last forever. Divorce rates have been high and more people consider not marrying in case it does not work out later on. Common law partners have also been accepted by society and so they are not afraid from being frowned upon even if they are not married. They might the same responsibilities as married couples or maybe less. There is also a question of whether married people are happier than unmarried people. In a recent study by researchers, they found married people tend to be more healthier and successful than unmarried ones, though happiness did not depend much on being married. These days a lot of people who choose to be unmarried especially women, are happy with their decision and their life. Happiness depends on a person’s personality and what ‘they’ consider as providing happiness to them, and not on being married or unmarried.