Married minority: The number of hitched couples drops to lowest level since records began

 

By Steve Doughty

Last updated at 12:41 AM on 27th September 2008

 

 

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The number of married couples has dropped to fewer than half the adult population for the first time since records began.

Government figures show there were 21,535,000 married adults in England and Wales in 2006 - just 49.5 per cent of the population over 16.

The count, which was released by the Office for National Statistics, also reveals that, for millions of young people, being married is now a minority lifestyle.

 

 

An increasing number of co-habiting couples are deciding not to get married

The number of those in their teens and twenties who are married has dropped below a million, with more than nine in ten aged under 30 choosing to cohabit or remain single.

 

Although the historic turning point went unpublicised by Whitehall yesterday, the ONS was quick to highlight figures from its controversial and widely disputed International Passenger Survey, which show tens of thousands of Britons marry abroad each year.

Officials say this means the real married population is higher than their tables show.

According to the ONS data, 50.2 per cent of the adult population is now married compared to two-thirds of adults in the 1970s.

 

A dying institution or a temporary blip? Whatever the cause, the married are now the minority

 

The drop in numbers the following year - while the overall population rose - brought the proportion down to 49.5 per cent.

The most dramatic fall has been among those under 30. Figures for 1971 show nearly half of those between 16 and 29 were married - around 4.5million young people.

But in 2006, this had fallen from just over a million to 972,000. Fewer than one in ten in this age group are now married.

The figures have been released at a time of growing political argument over the fate of marriage.

 

Tory leader David Cameron has pledged to give tax breaks to married couples to encourage more stable families.

Last week, Labour's longstanding neglect of marriage and its insistence that all kinds of families are equal were thrown into the spotlight when Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling donated £1million to the party because of her opposition to Mr Cameron's policies.

Despite her concerns, several MPs have pointed to statistics that show children brought up by single parents and cohabiting couples are more likely to suffer poor health, do badly at school, and fall into crime, or alcohol and drug abuse.

They also claim single parenthood is subsidised by a benefit system which means three out of four couples would be better off apart. Some single parents are £100 a week richer than couples working the same hours.

Jill Kirby, of the Centre for Policy Studies think-tank, said: 'The loss of marriage as an institution underpinning family life is a continuing trend that must worry us.

'Marriage has central importance for stability for families and children. It is becoming urgent that the Government introduces some support to encourage more to marry.'

I want to get married someday, it just seems right.

I want to get married someday, it just seems right.

 

Why? I personally feel it's an outdated institution which is ultimately meaningless.;)

Why? I personally feel it's an outdated institution which is ultimately meaningless.;)

Not if you truly love the one you're marrying.;)

Not if you truly love the one you're marrying.;)

 

If that's the case, a ceremony and piece of paper are completely unnecessary, not to mention the cost.;)

After my first 3 failed, I don't want anymore.

Pessimists:rolleyes:

I want to get married someday, it just seems right.

 

Exactly. It seems weird to be with someone for a long time and not get married to them... I don't know why, but it just does. :confused:

Exactly. It seems weird to be with someone for a long time and not get married to them... I don't know why, but it just does. :confused:

Thanks, at least someone here understands the beauty of marriage.:rolleyes:

Thanks, at least someone here understands the beauty of marriage.:rolleyes:

 

;)

;)

:kiss:

Pessimists:rolleyes:

 

You should try smiling.

You should try smiling.

I always smile:D

 

You should try being positive, or as I say, Viva la Vida!:lol:

Thanks, at least someone here understands the beauty of marriage.:rolleyes:

 

Well a vast number of marriages end up turning very ugly.:rolleyes:

Mark.

 

No.

 

Just no.

The main pro of marriage is in commiting oneself to the other personally. A boyfriend or girlfriend relationship, no matter how close is somehow not quite as binding as that of marriage. That's exactly what some dislike most about the tradition, but the idea behind it is that you love each other enough to close the door on all other possible relationships of that caliber and officially devote your life to being with that person. I see it as the act of two people sacrificing that as a symbol of their love. It's becoming less and less meaningful nowadays but in any case it's a lovely tradition to witness and take part in.

 

There's also the lovely tradition and ritual about it. I understand those who are cynical of it and I'm not saying everyone should, just pointing out how it's more to most people than a check mark that the government puts beside your name after you spend a ton of money.

Hmm, I've actually wondered this numerous times. Does anyone know about how many (fairly active users) on this board are married?

Hmm, I've actually wondered this numerous times. Does anyone know about how many (fairly active users) on this board are married?

 

Not many, I reckon.

Several have disappeared after getting hitched.

Quite a few are married to Coldplaying, though!

Maybe you should create a poll!!:D

the cost of marriage? :thinking: , there aren't civil marriages there in UK?, this way is cheaper isn't it? :idea2:

Not many, I reckon.

Several have disappeared after getting hitched.

Quite a few are married to Coldplaying, though!

Maybe you should create a poll!!:D

 

I might just do that. :P

the cost of marriage? :thinking: , there aren't civil marriages there in UK?, this way is cheaper isn't it? :idea2:

 

You're forgetting the cost of the wedding dress, reception, honeymoon etc.

A recent survey revealed the average cost of a wedding in Britain was £12,000!!:dozey:

You're forgetting the cost of the wedding dress, reception, honeymoon etc.

A recent survey revealed the average cost of a wedding in Britain was £12,000!!:dozey:

where does it says that everybody should do that on their wedding? get things that are very expensive?.. you can wear a more normal but nice dress and go somewhere close to were you live for your honeymoon, that way it won't cost 12000 :o

 

i dunno the average there, but taking into account that many marriages get divorced soon, is a waste of money, they could spend more than 6000 or 9000 euros on that here, i am sure. :stunned:

where does it says that everybody should do that on their wedding? get things that are very expensive?.. you can wear a more normal but nice dress and go somewhere close to were you live for your honeymoon, that way it won't cost 12000 :o

 

I totally agree. But most people are completely deluded and obsessed.;)

 

i dunno the average there, but taking into account that many marriages get divorced soon, is a waste of money. :stunned:

 

I completely agree.

The 'outdated' bullshit doesn't wash with me. All this 'partner' business is rubbish - get married, have kids. Easy. What's so outdated about having a family and children who know who their actual parents are instead of wondering which Dad they're going to see this week.

the cost of marriage? :thinking: , there aren't civil marriages there in UK?, this way is cheaper isn't it? :idea2:

 

Civil marriages as in going to the local registrar office and just paying a set fee for a basic service?

 

They do exist in the UK, but ain't as fancy as hiring out a church and having all the extras.