Gen Z Shows Increasing Support for Marriage Amid Changing Relationship Norms

London, England — A recent study by The Times revealed that almost two-thirds of Generation Z, ages 18 to 27, view marriage as an important institution, challenging previous generational norms that deemed it irrelevant. The study, conducted with over 1,000 participants, indicates a significant cultural shift among young adults regarding marriage and relationships.

The survey found that only 20 percent of respondents believed marriage to be ‘irrelevant’, a steep decline from the 39 percent of young adults who felt that way two decades ago. Additionally, one-third of participants expressed the view that being married is preferable before having children, showcasing a more conservative approach compared to their millennial predecessors.

Charlie Sawyer, 25, an editor at Screenshot, a media publication targeting Gen Z, reflects on these findings, stating, ‘While some might view our approach to marriage and sex as conservative, it’s quite exciting.’ Sawyer believes her generation embraces multiple romantic possibilities, saying, ‘We don’t think there is just one soulmate; you might have one in London, one in Brazil.’ This perspective indicates a shift toward a more fluid understanding of love and commitment.

Despite this seeming conservatism surrounding marriage, other aspects of romantic relationships appear less traditional. Morgan Lee, a 22-year-old body piercer from Cardiff, articulated her disinterest in marriage as a formal institution. ‘You don’t need a piece of paper to say that I really, really love this person,’ she stated, emphasizing the burdens of legal contracts and the costs associated with weddings and potential divorces.

Young adults’ attitudes toward casual relationships also reflect a marked change. Only 23 percent of Gen Z respondents reported that their friends engage in one-night stands, a dramatic drop from the 78 percent of millennials who acknowledged such behavior two decades prior. These statistics suggest that while marriage may be viewed more favorably, attitudes toward casual sex have become more restrained.

Harry Benson, director of research at Marriage Foundation, highlights that Gen Z is beginning to push back against the more relaxed relationship norms of millennials. He stated, ‘For a long time, the belief that love, living together, and having a baby is enough prevails, but Gen Z seems to be fighting back against this approach.’ He acknowledged that financial factors can impede marriage rates among young adults, with those from lower-income backgrounds less likely to marry.

While Gen Z exhibits more conservative views toward sex and marriage, their attitudes toward societal issues reflect a progressive stance. The study shows that 56 percent of respondents support allowing transgender individuals, who identify as female, to use women’s restrooms. Additionally, 47 percent agree that they should be permitted in women-only hospital wards.

This contrasts sharply with broader public opinion, where only 31 percent endorse the idea of transgender women in women’s restrooms. The survey also revealed that Gen Z overwhelmingly favors allowing children to socially transition before age 16, with over 60 percent supporting this change.

Although the study portrays a complex picture of Generation Z, their evolving attitudes toward love, marriage, and social issues could signify a departure from previous generations that might reshape societal norms in the years to come.