Brilio.net - Recently, we have often heard the trend of young people who are reluctant to get married. This phenomenon of being reluctant to get married seems to have a big impact on the marriage statistics in the country. Data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) shows that the marriage rate has continued to decline significantly in the last six years. Especially from 2021 to 2023, a drastic decline of two million marriages was recorded.
If examined, there are various reasons why people today are reluctant to get married. Starting from lifestyle issues, economy, to different life principles . Referring to the page of the Minister of Population and Family Development (KPK), it is suspected that this condition is driven by economic instability which makes many young people feel doubtful about the future, so they choose to focus on building a career rather than planning a wedding.
In addition, similar conditions are also seen in countries such as South Korea and China. In South Korea, for example, only about 27.5 percent of young women in their 20s are interested in getting married. This means that only one in four young women are still interested in marriage. In China, more and more people are choosing to live single, and this trend is expected to have an impact on the population decline in the long term.
Regardless, what is the reason why people today are reluctant to get married ? To look deeper into this issue, let's see the full details below, reported by brilio.net from various sources, Sunday (2/11).
1. Financial pressure and high cost of living.
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According to research from the Pew Research Center (2023), around 47% of unmarried adults cite financial instability as the main reason. Wedding costs, house installments, and the prospect of raising children are considered too burdensome. In Indonesia, a BPS survey shows that the average wedding cost reaches 5-10 times a person's annual income, not including living expenses after marriage.
2. Focus on career development.
Research from the Journal of Marriage and Family (2022) revealed that 38% of women and 29% of men chose to postpone or avoid marriage to focus on their careers. This trend is especially visible among young professionals pursuing advanced degrees or senior positions in companies. They feel that marriage can hinder career mobility and self-development opportunities.
3. Trauma from past experiences.
For some people, the unpleasant experiences of their parents' or close relatives' marriages have an impact on their views on marriage. Many grew up in families that experienced conflict or divorce, forming a skeptical view of marriage.
A longitudinal study by the University of Michigan (2023), found that 42% of respondents who avoided marriage had traumatic experiences related to parental divorce or toxic relationships in the past. This trauma creates fear of marital failure and distrust of the institution of marriage.
4. The desire to maintain independence.
A survey by Harvard Kennedy School (2023) showed that 51% of millennials consider personal independence a top priority. They are worried that marriage will limit their freedom to make decisions, manage finances, and live the lifestyle they want.
5. Changes in social values and views on marriage.
Social values and views on marriage have also changed significantly. Many people now view marriage as an optional choice, not even a life obligation.
According to a sociological study from the University of California (2022), there has been a significant shift in the way society views marriage. Around 63% of respondents no longer consider marriage a social necessity. They see happiness as possible without the bonds of marriage.
6. Emotional and mental unpreparedness.
Research from the American Psychological Association (2023), indicates that 44% of adults feel they do not have the emotional maturity to get married. Not a few realize the importance of mental stability before deciding to get married and then choose to focus on self-development first.
7. Burden of responsibility and social expectations.
Research from Social Psychology Quarterly (2022) revealed that 49% of respondents avoided marriage because they felt burdened by the social expectations that came with it. The pressure to have children, take care of in-laws, and fulfill traditional gender roles was considered too burdensome.