Young American Women’s Declining Faith in Marriage Raises Societal Concerns
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Once a cornerstone of the American dream, marriage is losing its allure for many young women, according to new data from Pew Research Center. The shift, marked by a significant decline in the number of graduating girls expecting to marry, has sparked concerns about the broader implications for happiness, social connection, and even longevity in the United States.
In 1993, over 83% of senior girls in high school expressed a strong likelihood of marrying in the future. Fast forward to 2025, and that figure has plunged to approximately 61%, a stark contrast to the relatively stable 74% of boys who still anticipate marriage. This divergence suggests a unique transformation in how young women envision their futures, with many questioning the traditional narrative of “happily ever after.”
Experts warn that this trend could exacerbate issues of loneliness and reduce life expectancy, as extensive research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other health agencies has consistently shown that married individuals tend to enjoy better mental health, lower rates of loneliness, and longer lives compared to their unmarried peers.
The decline in marriage rates is not a new phenomenon; the national marriage rate has dropped by 31% since 2000 and nearly 65% since 1970, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. However, much of the prior discourse focused on men’s challenges, including educational setbacks, economic instability, and social isolation driven by increased screen time and digital distractions.
Now, the spotlight turns to young women’s shifting attitudes. Sociologists and cultural analysts suggest multiple factors are at play. One significant influence is the changing portrayal of marriage and romantic fulfillment in popular media. Classic Disney films from the 1980s and 1990s, such as “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “Mulan,” traditionally culminated in joyful marriages, reinforcing the ideal of lifelong partnership. Yet, since the late 1990s, this narrative has faded. Films like “Tarzan” (1999) marked a departure, and subsequent releases rarely ended with marriage as the ultimate goal. Instead, heroines increasingly embark on journeys of self-discovery and independence, often depicted standing alone on mountaintops or thrones rather than walking down aisles.
This cultural shift reflects broader societal changes, where marriage is often framed as optional or even constraining, rather than a necessary milestone. The Pew Research Center highlights that these evolving messages shape young women’s expectations and aspirations, influencing their decisions about relationships and commitment.
While some view this trend as a positive move toward personal autonomy and fulfillment, others caution about the potential public health and social consequences. The National Institute on Aging points out that marriage often provides emotional support and social integration that can protect against the detrimental effects of loneliness and social isolation.
As America grapples with these demographic and cultural shifts, policymakers, educators, and community leaders face the challenge of addressing the underlying causes and consequences. The decline in young women’s faith in marriage not only reflects changing values but also signals a need to rethink how society supports meaningful connections and well-being in an increasingly fragmented world.
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