Declining Interest in Marriage Among High School Girls
A recent study by the Pew Research Center indicates a notable decline in the number of high school girls interested in marriage. This trend has marriage expert JP de Gance suggesting that shifting narratives from both Hollywood and parental figures may play a significant role.
“We’ve altered the narrative for young people,” de Gance, founder of the marriage organization Communio, mentioned in an interview. This shift, he argues, has transformed how they envision their futures.
Data from the University of Michigan reveals that only 61% of 12th grade girls today express a desire to marry, a stark decrease from 83% in 1993. For boys, however, interest in marriage has held steady at 74%, marking a flip where boys now outnumber girls in this regard for the first time.
Additionally, both genders show less enthusiasm about having children after marriage. The survey found that only 48% of high school seniors in 2023 felt “very likely” to want children, down from 64% three decades ago.
De Gance points out that entertainment trends are shifting young people’s perspectives on marriage. He recalls that Disney once dominated storytelling for youth, often concluding with a “happy ending” where the protagonist finds love. Yet, since the late 1990s, this narrative has evolved. He notes that recent films have started to focus more on themes of independence and self-discovery, shifting away from the traditional love story. The newly released live-action “Snow White” serves as an example, significantly downplaying romantic elements compared to its animated predecessor.
He also highlights that parental conversations about marriage may have changed. With a family of eight and over two decades of marriage experience, de Gance suggests many parents now prioritize independence and career achievements, perhaps unintentionally suggesting that personal success trumps family life.
This changing dynamic means that marriage, once perceived as central to adulthood, has become something to pursue only after achieving certain milestones, a contrast to earlier views. De Gance emphasizes that while striving for career and financial independence is important, it doesn’t inherently lead to ultimate happiness.
“Research shows that married people, especially those with children, tend to report higher happiness levels,” he added. At Communio, de Gance works with various churches across 32 states, aiming to promote marriage and family initiatives. He believes it’s crucial to counteract misconceptions, like the notion that half of all marriages fail, and make sure young people are aware of the more positive aspects of marriage.
De Gance cautions that while marriage is meaningful, it shouldn’t be approached carelessly. He advocates for individuals to carefully evaluate potential partners, emphasizing the importance of teaching young people how to avoid unhealthy marriages.
This perspective resonates with broader research from the Family Institute, which indicates that strong marriages are the best predictors of happiness for both men and women.
