In a recent blog, Dan Pink surfaces fascinating research on marriage. The research reveals that for the first time in U.S. history the number of young adults (those between 25 and 34) who have never been married exceeds the number of those who are married. At first glance you might give that demographic a "ho hum," but Pink suggests a number of highly significant possible implications in economics, politics, culture and business.
I don't normally think much about late marriages, much less the percentage of non-married in the younger generation. In fact, there's plenty of research out there that suggests that marriage earlier than the late twenties may just be too early for most. That's especially true when in today's economy it takes a college degree and even a graduate degree to make a decent living and educate kids that might come from that marriage. One of my long term friends, a practicing psychologist, has suggested that it's a rare person who's actually prepared for marriage before he or she reaches the magic age of 27. Yet I do believe that Pink is onto something of much importance.
I'm very curious about what the rest of you think. Is there a lot more to the marriage demographics than we might think? And, if you're a Gen-Yer, what do you think about Dan Pink's argument?
So here's what Pink has to say about the issue:
"I don't believe that demographics are destiny necessarily--but these numbers do qualify for what I call a BDD, a Big Demographic Deal. The implications are potentially huge--in economics, culture, politics, and business." Read more . . .