Over the next 50 years, I think that the need for marriage will become completely obsolete in terms of emotional needs and utilized more for financial breaks. I think that due to the waning economy, there will be a need for 2 working parents if anyone wants to have a family at all which leaves less time to spend with the children. The fact that women are able to hold down jobs with higher wages allows more independent and empowered attitudes in relationships (and overall) today which has led to them to want to settle down in a relationship later on in life. I also would predict that established biological family sizes will decrease the number of children it produces due to couple’s later starts in life, more accepted autonomy in relationships due to more acceptance of individuality, and higher costs of child rearing. Lastly, I believe that relationship goals will focus more on companionship and emotional support in marriages rather than the assumed goal of raising a family. More couples today are attempting to find life companions that enjoy similar interests and the acceptance of non-child rearing relationships has never been higher.
Great post! I had a hard time coming up with a prediction of the next 50 years, but I am in agreement with your theory. I think you’re right in saying that the economy will definitely have an effect on the size of family. I see the trend in couples that rather spend time building upon their marriage than having children. Women are now having children as they get older rather than in their 20’s. It’s unfortunate that the world depends so heavily on monetary values otherwise that wouldn't be a factor when thinking about having a child. That’s the reality and we just have to deal with it and hope it gets better along the way.
ReplyDeleteI can agree with you the marriage is coming to a change and in 50 years emotions and everything will be all over the place. Your theory is believable since the economy sucks. Both set of parents are already both working right now and by 50 years later every married couple with children are going to need to work if they want to provide and have a stable shelter and everything. I agree that their probably won't be families with a lot of children in the future due to money issues. I agree with " I believe that relationship goals will focus more on companionship and emotional support in marriages rather than the assumed goal of raising a family." that is totally right. Great post! :)
ReplyDeleteYes, I have read several articles where people no longer want to get married. They just have a "permanent" partner but have no real intentions of getting married and I see where they are coming from. You are basically married with out the paper certificate and sharing each others financials. You live together, you buy things together, and you do almost everything as if you were married. I think that after the initial rush of moving in together, you get so used to being together the rush to get married disappears. I know that many get married to get tax breaks and children to get tax breaks, but like you said, what if they work? There is no financial drive there either.
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