Marriage, The age old institution on decline

Marriage And Beyond

oi-Staff

By Super

Wednesday, October 5, 2011, 14:52

Is the age old institution called '' moving out of an established social setup? With the increased number of singles seeking their space and the mounting number of divorces along with the current trend of companionship, 'Cohabiting' on the raise, seems to be sinking.

It would not be very surprising if only two of five adults will unite in a wedlock in Britain in the next 20 years pushing '' to a minority status, officials predict. Married couples would only make up a 41% of the over 16 population by 2031 as per 'Office for National Statistics'. Further more Britain would face an increased number of divorcees, and cohabiting couples outnumbering the traditional married couples.

Independent people living by themselves would make up a 44% of the adult population which would contribute to a bigger group when compared to married couples. The traditional set up of which first saw its decline in the 1980s would be a lifestyle associated only with the minority.

The data follow, last year's fall in the numbers of married people to less than half the adult population.

At present the population of around 21.7 million are married people in England and Wales, in comparison to the 14.9 million adults who have never wed. Of the rest around four million people are divorcees and three million are widowed. With the current scenario, it is expected that by 2031 a 22.1 million will be never married making a 42% of the adult population outnumbering the 21.6 million married couples.

The married population would sink to 41% of all adults from the current 49 % whereas the number of live in relationships would rise from 4.5 million to 7.4 million in the next 20 years.

Singles will outnumber the married contributing to the largest population, aging between 30 and 65.

The statistics also adds that around three million people, now in their teens, 20s and 30s would not have partners of the opposite sex in 2031.

Anastasia de Waal, of the think-tank Civitas, said: "Many more are living at home with their parents, which is a bit of a killer for romance. Others are living far from their work and find it difficult to meet people."

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