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Yes, marriage is still a goal, but not in the same way as before. Around the world, marriage is still valued, but fewer people see it as a life necessity. Research shows people are marrying later, less often, and on their own terms. Many people still seek lasting love and a partnership — just not always through a wedding. In India, most people do eventually marry, though later in life, while in Western countries, living together without marriage is now widely accepted.
So, here’s the thing , marriage just isn’t what it used to be. Back in the days, marriage was seen as a necessity, something everyone did. However, the trend behind the idea of marriage has changed. Today, people are either marrying later or not at all. In England and Wales, 90% of women born in the 1940s were married before they turned 30, but for women born in 1990, the figure has dropped to under 30%. As you can see, there has been a big generational shift.
Once seen only in Western societies, delayed marriage has quietly become part of India’s social rhythm. Nowadays, for Indians, tying the knot in their late 20s and even in their late 30s is becoming much more common. There are, however, some Indians who are choosing not to get married at all. One out of four young Indians now says they’re just not into marriage anymore. Only a few decades ago, this would have been considered unthinkable.
Well, for starters, priorities have shifted. The younger generations are investing more time in education, career and personal growth. People are, however, not moving away from companionship and love, but the urgency towards marriage has reduced. In cities like Delhi and Mumbai, it’s super common to see people in their 30s still single, busy with work and travel. In a way, it’s become normal to say, “I’ll marry when I’m ready — if I marry at all.”
The idea that you must marry to be “settled” is quietly fading away. These days, Americans are marrying a good five to seven years later than their grandparents did. Surveys show that about a third of unmarried adults in the US say they simply don’t want to get married. And nearly 70% of singles say they’re happy staying that way. Meanwhile, in the UK, one in four people call marriage “outdated”.
In India, though, the picture is more complicated. Tradition still holds strong. Most Indians still marry eventually, and families continue to value the idea deeply. But the meaning of marriage is evolving. Many young Indians, especially women, want equality, compatibility, and freedom. It is no longer just a wedding date.
One survey found that over 80% of Indian women would rather stay single than marry someone who limits their independence. They are working, studying and discovering more. They are also viewing the concept of "happy life" from a different perspective.
One of the major factors behind later marriage or no marriage is " the money factor". Cost of living is rising; these days, raising one kid costs about the same as raising three or four back in the ’60s to ’80s. It is not easy to think about starting a family when rent and loans take up most of your salary. Even in India, young professionals often say, “I’ll marry once I’m financially stable.”
Of course, not everyone avoids marriage out of ambition or money worries. Some people simply prefer freedom. They like their own space, their own routines. They’ve seen unhappy marriages. Perhaps they’ve seen what their parents went through and decided not to repeat the same mistakes.
Divorce rates, though still lower in India than in the West, are rising in cities. That makes many young people think twice before committing. Many people might wonder why they have to risk it if they're already contented.
Marriage used to be the first big step into adulthood. Now, it’s often one of the last. People want to choose marriage, not fall into it. They want relationships built on mutual respect, not obligation. And that’s not a bad thing. It just means society is redefining what it means to live a complete, happy life.
Love and having someone by your side is still what the majority of people seek. Many Indians still dream of getting married, just on different terms. Instead of rushing into marriage like before, people now see it as a choice, and they’re waiting until it really feels right for them. Meanwhile, in the West, it’s totally normal for couples to live together or stay in long-term relationships without getting married.
So in short, marriage is not disappearing; it's just changing shape. Some will still see it as a sacred bond, others as a personal choice, and some won’t see the need for it at all.