Families: Changing Patterns of Marriage
Marriage in the UK experienced a notable decline in popularity during the latter half of the 20th century. The number of first marriages dwindled in the 1970s, despite a continuous increase in the population. While there were more significant fluctuations during events like World War II, the period since the early 1970s has witnessed a sustained decline, with occasional rapid drops in the 1980s and 1990s. However, fluctuations have increased in recent years due to factors such as civil partnerships, same-sex marriages, and changing trends influenced by celebrity and royal weddings. In 2017, the UK recorded the lowest number of heterosexual weddings since record-keeping began.
Several factors contribute to the overall decline in the popularity of marriage during this period:
1. Secularisation- The diminishing significance of religion in UK society may have contributed to the decreasing popularity of marriage. Marriage is no longer solely perceived as a religious ceremony, and societal views on cohabitation without marriage have shifted, eliminating the social stigma associated with it.
2. Divorce rates- The dramatic increase in the number of divorces could deter people from getting married, considering the high likelihood of marital dissolution.
3. Expense- The average cost of a wedding in the UK, exceeding £27,000, may discourage couples from pursuing marriage due to financial considerations.
4. The pure relationship- Anthony Giddens' concept of the quest for the perfect relationship has influenced attitudes toward marriage. The focus has shifted from the traditional role of marriage for financial security to an emphasis on the pursuit of an ideal relationship.
Another significant trend has been the postponement of marriage, with the average age at marriage steadily rising since the 1970s. Possible explanations for this trend include:
1. Secularisation:-With reduced stigma attached to cohabitation, people may choose to cohabit before marriage, adopting a "try before you buy" approach.
2. Women's careers- Changing societal norms and increased emphasis on women's careers have made marriage less of a necessity for financial security. Women now expect to have independent financial stability before considering marriage.
3. Increased life expectancy- Longer life expectancy allows individuals to delay marriage without compromising the duration of their married life.
Evaluating sociological explanations of these trends reveals that only 30% of weddings in the UK are religious ceremonies, indicating that secularisation may not significantly impact the total number of weddings. Giddens' argument, while applicable to divorce and remarriage, may not explain the decision not to get married in the first place.
Several factors contribute to the overall decline in the popularity of marriage during this period:
1. Secularisation- The diminishing significance of religion in UK society may have contributed to the decreasing popularity of marriage. Marriage is no longer solely perceived as a religious ceremony, and societal views on cohabitation without marriage have shifted, eliminating the social stigma associated with it.
2. Divorce rates- The dramatic increase in the number of divorces could deter people from getting married, considering the high likelihood of marital dissolution.
3. Expense- The average cost of a wedding in the UK, exceeding £27,000, may discourage couples from pursuing marriage due to financial considerations.
4. The pure relationship- Anthony Giddens' concept of the quest for the perfect relationship has influenced attitudes toward marriage. The focus has shifted from the traditional role of marriage for financial security to an emphasis on the pursuit of an ideal relationship.
Another significant trend has been the postponement of marriage, with the average age at marriage steadily rising since the 1970s. Possible explanations for this trend include:
1. Secularisation:-With reduced stigma attached to cohabitation, people may choose to cohabit before marriage, adopting a "try before you buy" approach.
2. Women's careers- Changing societal norms and increased emphasis on women's careers have made marriage less of a necessity for financial security. Women now expect to have independent financial stability before considering marriage.
3. Increased life expectancy- Longer life expectancy allows individuals to delay marriage without compromising the duration of their married life.
Evaluating sociological explanations of these trends reveals that only 30% of weddings in the UK are religious ceremonies, indicating that secularisation may not significantly impact the total number of weddings. Giddens' argument, while applicable to divorce and remarriage, may not explain the decision not to get married in the first place.
