Marriage May Be out of Reach for America’s Working Class
As a family law attorney in State College, Pennsylvania, I often notice trends in marriages, both positive and negative.
One of the most recent trends that caught my attention—one that has been building for some time now—is that marriage may be beyond the reach of many working-class Americans.
According to a recent article from U.S. News & World Report, research is suggesting that insecurity about jobs, finances, and the future pertaining to these career keys is driving a decrease in marriage rates.
Besides preventing marriage in the first place, I also see—from the perspective of a divorce attorney—these issues driving marriages apart.
The U.S. Census Bureau shows that married couples now account for less than half of all American households (down from seventy-eight percent in 1950).
Many men and women interviewed in the study—about three hundred in the working and middle classes—indicated that job insecurity, low wages, and a lack of resources have deterred them from tying the knot. They have a hard time believing they could provide for someone else, both financially and emotionally.
Similarly, many working-class people don’t want to commit to someone with a low-paying job and hefty debt.
Surprisingly, most Americans say they still want to get married at some point.
In the past, Americans without a college education could still get secure jobs that paid well. With today’s economy, those opportunities are few and far between. Jobs that do not require higher education are often low paying, part time, and without benefits.
We all know that finances can be the number one stressor on a marriage. If you are unsure of your career or unhappy with your salary, your current or potential spouse may begin to doubt your stability.
If you are currently considering divorce due to financial issues or other circumstances, be sure to contact an experienced divorce attorney today for the guidance you need.
Marriage May Be out of Reach for America’s Working Class was last modified: February 18th, 2016 by Mark Weaver