Generation Z appears to be shifting its views on marriage, taking a stance that seems more in line with traditional values.
A new study from The Times UK reveals that young adults aged 18 to 27 are far more supportive of marriage than their Millennial counterparts. While only 20 percent of Gen Z sees marriage as “irrelevant,” nearly 40 percent of Millennials held that belief just two decades ago.
Unlike the casual attitudes toward marriage and commitment often associated with Millennials, Gen Z is more inclined to see marriage as an important part of life. According to the survey, nearly two-thirds of young adults today believe marriage is still essential. In fact, 33 percent of those who responded feel it’s better for couples to be married before having children, highlighting another growing conservative view of relationships compared to prior generations.
However, while marriage is seemingly becoming more attractive to Gen Z, the reasons behind their growing interest may surprise some.
It’s not necessarily about romantic ideals or the notion of “one true love.” For many in this generation, marriage is viewed less as a lifelong bond and more as a practical solution to the financial and social challenges of modern life, according to the study. With rising housing costs, healthcare expenses, and the struggles of living alone, marriage may increasingly be seen as a way to “beat the system” by the younger generation.
According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, marriage rates have recently remained steady in America, while divorce rates decreased between 2012 and 2022. In 2012, the U.S. marriage rate was 16.6 per 1,000 women; by 2022, it slightly rose to 16.7. Additionally, from 2008 to 2022, the national divorce rate fell from just over 10.0 to around 7.0.
The Times report also showcases changes in how Gen Z views “casual relationships.”
The study showed a dramatic drop in the prevalence of one-night stands among Gen Z. Only 23 percent of those aged 18 to 27 reported that their friends commonly engage in casual sex, compared to a reported 78 percent of Millennials two decades ago.