2008 Woodie Awards
People are now waiting longer to get married
Eloping range has changed, according to Census Bureau
By: Eric Joyce
Issue date: 1/23/08 Section: Lifeline
These days, it seems to be getting harder to find Mr. or Mrs. Right.
In 1970, men and women were eloping at a median of 23.2 and 20.8 years of age, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
In 2006, those numbers have increased to 27.5 and 25.5 respectively.
Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work Professor Joseph De Bolt said these changes are the result of changing opinions in society as a whole.
"Marriage has gotten a bad rap," he said.
De Bolt, who has studied the sociology of families, said women's movements have devalued the traditional views of marriage as well as a new philosophy of "extended childhood."
De Bolt attributes this extension of childhood to modern views of individualism, as well as influences in the media where family relationships often are seen as battle grounds and where the freedom of singlehood is glamorized
However, De Bolt said 80 percent of people who graduate from college, get married and have children do not fall below the poverty line.
For Three Rivers junior Ashley Sneary and Buckley sophomore Bryan Rice, marriage is something they understand for themselves.
"When you're ready, you're ready," Rice said. "If you wait to afford to get married, you'll never get married."
The couple has been dating for more than a year and say they are ready for the next step within the next few years.
"I have no doubt in my mind I want to spend the rest of my life with him," Sneary said. "If we waited, we would be putting off the inevitable."
Despite both being only 20 years old, Rice and Sneary said they can overcome the usual obstacles in any marriage because of their solid base of friendship and their commitment to the sacred vow rooted in their strong Christian beliefs.
"Divorce is never an option and quitting is never an option," Sneary said.
In light of their commitment they have had their share of criticism from Sneary's parents who were both previously married at a young age and ended in divorce.
In 1970, men and women were eloping at a median of 23.2 and 20.8 years of age, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
In 2006, those numbers have increased to 27.5 and 25.5 respectively.
Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work Professor Joseph De Bolt said these changes are the result of changing opinions in society as a whole.
"Marriage has gotten a bad rap," he said.
De Bolt, who has studied the sociology of families, said women's movements have devalued the traditional views of marriage as well as a new philosophy of "extended childhood."
De Bolt attributes this extension of childhood to modern views of individualism, as well as influences in the media where family relationships often are seen as battle grounds and where the freedom of singlehood is glamorized
However, De Bolt said 80 percent of people who graduate from college, get married and have children do not fall below the poverty line.
For Three Rivers junior Ashley Sneary and Buckley sophomore Bryan Rice, marriage is something they understand for themselves.
"When you're ready, you're ready," Rice said. "If you wait to afford to get married, you'll never get married."
The couple has been dating for more than a year and say they are ready for the next step within the next few years.
"I have no doubt in my mind I want to spend the rest of my life with him," Sneary said. "If we waited, we would be putting off the inevitable."
Despite both being only 20 years old, Rice and Sneary said they can overcome the usual obstacles in any marriage because of their solid base of friendship and their commitment to the sacred vow rooted in their strong Christian beliefs.
"Divorce is never an option and quitting is never an option," Sneary said.
In light of their commitment they have had their share of criticism from Sneary's parents who were both previously married at a young age and ended in divorce.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Nick Smith
posted 1/24/08 @ 9:04 PM EST
Perhaps it also has something to do with how in this modern day and age, it takes longer to get at least some, if not a full, college education, making it tougher to finish education at an earlier age and get your career, home situation and lining up whatever with that significant other in order at that earlier age?
I'm 24, graduated from CMU last May, just got my first job and place in August 2007, and regardless of where my life would go in that part of the equation, probably wouldn't be married for a year or two or three at the earliest. (Continued…)
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