Proportion of unmarried youth rising, finds govt survey

 

Why  singles both men and women are increasing fast in our society?

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The increase in the number of single individuals, both men and women, in modern society can be attributed to a variety of factors. Here are a few key reasons for this trend:

 

Changing Social Norms: Traditional societal expectations and norms surrounding relationships and marriage have evolved over time. There is now greater acceptance of individuals choosing to remain single or delaying marriage for personal, professional, or lifestyle reasons. This shift in attitudes has contributed to the rise in the number of single men and women.

 

Pursuit of Education and Career: Many individuals, particularly women, are prioritizing their education and professional careers. This focus on personal development and achievement often leads to delayed marriages or a choice to remain single to pursue their goals fully. Increased opportunities for higher education and career advancement have provided more choices for individuals, and some may opt to prioritize their personal growth over starting a family.

 

Economic Independence: Financial independence plays a significant role in the decision to remain single. With more economic opportunities and access to resources, both men and women can support themselves without necessarily relying on a partner. This independence allows individuals to have more control over their lives and make choices that align with their personal preferences.

 

Changing Relationship Dynamics: Relationships and marriage are becoming more flexible and diverse. There is a growing recognition that being single can be a fulfilling and valid life choice. Some individuals may prefer non-traditional relationships, such as cohabitation or consensual partnerships, over formal marriage. This shift in relationship dynamics contributes to the rise in singlehood.

 

Personal Fulfillment and Autonomy: Many people value personal freedom, autonomy, and self-discovery. Remaining single allows individuals to focus on their own needs, aspirations, and personal growth without the responsibilities and compromises that come with being in a committed relationship or marriage. This pursuit of personal fulfillment and autonomy can be a driving factor in the decision to remain single.

 

It's important to note that the reasons for the increase in single individuals can vary among cultures, regions, and individuals themselves. While some may actively choose singlehood, others may desire a committed relationship but have not yet found a suitable partner. Overall, the rise in the number of singles reflects the changing dynamics of relationships, evolving societal norms, and a greater emphasis on individual choices and personal fulfillment.

 

Proportion of unmarried youth rising, finds govt survey

 

PTI Last Updated: Jul 15, 2022, 12:02 PM IST

 

Synopsis

The latest report of the National Statistical Office stated that the percentage share of the youth population (15-29 years) who are never married has shown an increasing trend in the male population from 20.8 per cent in 2011 to 26.1 per cent in 2019 and similar trend has been observed in case of the female population.

 

The proportion of unmarried persons within the age bracket of 15-29 years has increased to 23 per cent in 2019 from 17.2 per cent in 2011, according to a government survey. As per the National Youth Policy 2014, those aged 15 to 29 years are classified as youth.

 

The latest report of the National Statistical Office stated that the percentage share of the youth population (15-29 years) who are never married has shown an increasing trend in the male population from 20.8 per cent in 2011 to 26.1 per cent in 2019 and similar trend has been observed in case of the female population.

 

The proportion of unmarried females rose from 13.5 per cent in 2011 to 19.9 per cent.

 

In 2019, the highest percentage share of youth population who are never married have been observed in the States/UTs of Jammu & Kashmir followed by Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Punjab and the lowest have been observed in the States/UTs of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, it stated.

 

However, the report did not attribute any reason for rising in the proportion of unmarried youth.

 

It stated that early marriage in India has been declining over time.

 

The data showed that among the adolescent women (15-19 years), 1.7 per cent of women have been first married by the age of 15 years during 2019-21 as compared to 11.9 per cent in 2005-06.

 

Age at marriage also seems to have increased over the years. A significant reduction has been observed in the level of age at first marriage for women in the 25-29 years age cohort as only 52.8 per cent of women have been first married by the age of 20 years during 2019-2021 as compared to 72.4 per cent in 2005-06, it stated.

 

Men tend to marry considerably later than women in India since 42.9 per cent of males in the 25-29 years age cohort were first married by the age of 25 years in 2019-21. This percentage was almost double at 83 per cent for females. The percentage of the population who never married also has increased among both males and females in all age groups over the years.

 

The median age at first marriage increased steadily from 17.4 years in 2005-06 to 19.7 years in 2019-21 for women in the 25-29 .age cohort.

 

A similar trend has also been observed for the median age at first cohabitation in the same age cohort during the same period.

 

It showed that the more educated the woman is, the higher the median age at first marriage, with the median among women aged 25-29 who have completed 12 or more years of education exceeding the median age among women having no schooling by 5.5 years during 2019-21.

 

Further, one good thing is the median age at marriage has increased by two years for women with no schooling and by 1.2 years for those who have not even completed their primary education during this period, it stated.

 

The percentage of women aged 20-24 years married before age 18 years in the country has halved in the last 15 years from 47 per cent in 2005-2006 to 23 per cent in 2019-21. Similarly, teenage pregnancy and motherhood have declined from 16 per cent to 7 per cent during the same period, it stated. ..

 

India's population, which reached 1,211 million in 2011 and is projected to reach 1,363 million in 2021 makes India one of the youngest countries in the world, with 27.3 per cent of its population aged 15-29 years, i.e., youth (Report of Technical Group on Population Projections for India and States 2011-2036, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare), it stated.

 

In terms of absolute numbers, between 2011 and 2036, because of the declining fertility and increasing life expectancy, the population pyramid of the country will undergo a shift, it stated.

 

While the proportion of the population aged under 15 years is projected to decline, the elderly in the population is expected to increase, it also stated.

 

However, it stated that the youth population is expected to increase initially but will start to decline in the latter half of the 2011-2036 period.

 

The total youth population increased from 222.7 Million in 1991 to 333.4 Million in 2011 and is projected to reach 371.4 Million by 2021 and thereafter decrease to 345.5 million  by 2036, it said...