Why Is Marriage Disappearing?
The short answer
Marriage is disappearing because the commitment-based marriages of the 1950s have given way to “expressive individualism,” where people stay only as long as a relationship keeps them happy. U.S. marriage rates have dropped by half since their 1950s peak of 14 per 1,000 people, and the decline is global. Dr. Joe and Dr. Kimberly say reversing it starts with each of us committing to marriage and staying married.
Key takeaways
- Marriage is declining around the world, from the United States and Europe to Asia, Australia, and South America.
- Commitment-based marriage has given way to expressive individualism, where people stay only as long as a relationship makes them happy.
- When marriages break apart, many children lose contact with their fathers, which shows how the loss of commitment reaches beyond the couple.
- Reversing the trend starts with each person choosing to commit to marriage and stay married, which builds stable homes for children.
Exploring the Causes of Marriage Decline
Marriage, once a sacred institution, is currently experiencing a significant decline on a global scale. In our latest podcast episode, titled “Exploring the Causes of Marriage Decline,” Dr. Joe Beam and Kimberly Beam Holmes, your hosts, closely examine this alarming trend. Join us as we delve into the underlying reasons behind this decline and its widespread consequences.
The decline in marriage rates is not limited to any specific region; it is a global phenomenon observed in the United States, Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America. In the United States, for instance, the 1950s witnessed a peak in marriage rates, with 14 marriages per 1,000 people. Today, that number has plummeted by half, marking a dramatic reduction.
What’s even more concerning is the transformation of the nature of marriages over the years. The commitment-based marriages of the 1950s have given way to a culture of ‘expressive individualism.’ In this new paradigm, individuals remain in a relationship only as long as it satisfies their personal happiness, reflecting the independence and self-centeredness of the ‘me generation.’
The consequences of declining marriage rates on society are profound. One of the most striking outcomes is the diminishing contact between fathers and their children post-divorce. Shockingly, within the first year of divorce, 25% of fathers lose contact with their children, and this statistic rises to a staggering 50% after ten years. This disturbing trend highlights the erosion of commitment not just toward spouses but also toward one’s own children.
However, it’s important to note that the decline in marriage is not an insurmountable problem. There is still a glimmer of hope in the form of our “Save My Marriage Program.” This program serves as a lifeline for those seeking to salvage their relationships and reestablish the foundations of family and commitment. It equips individuals with the necessary steps to understand and address the causes of marriage decline while building a strong family foundation.
Ultimately, the power to reverse this trend lies with each one of us. If we desire stability and mature relationships, we must commit to marriage and staying married. By doing so, we can create a nurturing environment for our children, enabling them to grow into responsible adults who can positively influence society. After all, marriages play a pivotal role in personal growth and the stability of societies.
In conclusion, the causes of marriage decline are multifaceted, but they are not insurmountable challenges. With commitment and dedication, we can work towards restoring the sanctity of marriage and, in the process, build stronger, more stable societies. Let’s embark on this journey together and strive for a hopeful resolution to the issue of declining marriages.
To further expand on the global decline in marriage and its ripple effects on society, we invite you to watch this in-depth conversation with Dr. Joe Beam and Kimberly Beam Holmes. In this video, they explore the cultural, economic, and psychological factors contributing to the disappearance of marriage, along with the real-world implications for families and future generations. This thought-provoking episode serves as a powerful complement to the insights shared in this article.
7 STEPS TO RESCUE YOUR MARRIAGE
Your husband or wife has said your marriage is over and they’re ready to move on with their life. Where does this leave you?
We have helped thousands of people in this exact situation. You are not without hope and it’s not too late to make a difference in your marriage.
This is what the divorce lawyers don’t want you to hear. Click the link below to learn the 7 Steps to Rescue Your Marriage!
SAVE YOUR MARRIAGE
Common questions
What is expressive individualism in marriage?
It is the cultural shift away from commitment-based marriage toward staying in a relationship only as long as it satisfies your personal happiness. It reflects the independence and self-focus of the “me generation.”
How does divorce affect fathers and their children?
One of the most striking effects is lost contact between fathers and their children. Within the first year after divorce, 25% of fathers lose contact with their children, and that rises to 50% after ten years.
Is marriage still worth it?
Dr. Joe and Dr. Kimberly believe it is, because marriage plays a key role in personal growth, in raising children who become responsible adults, and in the stability of society. The decline is not an insurmountable problem, and help like the Save My Marriage Program exists for couples who want to rebuild.