f women ages 18 years to 45 years.
The research questions are as follows:
1. Are women of today considering marriage to be their first priority?
2. What are the reasons for this choice?
3. What are the issues surrounding this topic?
Women of Today. For this study, women of today is defined as any female aged 18 years to 45 years.
Marriage. For this study marriage is defined as traditional male/female legal marriage.
Summary & Significance of the Study
In summary, the problem is that societal views of marriage appear to be changing and studies show that consequences of these changes include a decline in child well-being and adult happiness. Rather than a continual claim that attitudes must be changed, a more logical solution would first include a comprehensive understanding of what women's views are. An understanding of whether or not women consider marriage to be their first priority, as well as the surrounding issues, will demonstrate women's choices and societal trends. This knowledge can then be used to further investigate consequences of today's marital choices and appropriate future solutions.
This review of the literature concerning the topic of whether or not women consider marriage their first priority, will address the following areas relevant to the study: evolution of women's views on marriage, including social perspectives, psychological perspectives, and consequences of today's marital culture; women's current views on marriage; and a review of the national marriage project.
The Evolution of Women's Views on Marriage
The nineteenth century consisted of the idealization of marriage and the reluctance to enter into it for many. In an effort to understand this reluctancy, a look at women's roots has ensued. The spinster has been seen as either an individual of misfortune or as a woman of autonomy. Since the later is preferable, and it has been exemplified by many profe...