After WWII, the world saw the age of the Baby Boomers, a marked increase in the birthing rate and the beginning of another entire generation of humans. Following the Baby Boomers, Generation X, or children of the 70s and 80s began to permeate society with their newfound ideals and interests, and although they witnessed less strife than that of the Boomers, Gen X was born into a post-civil rights era where tensions still were high and the need to procreate still ran its course. Following Gen X, there was the ever-so-loved Millennials–those born within the era of new Millennium (the mid-80s to the 90s). Finally came Generation Z, the TikTok loving, dance trend creating, and technology-adept new generation of humans to advance the world even further. However, as we move through generations, are we sure that our traditions withstand the test of time as well?
Although studies show that marriage is not an obsolete thing in the future of many Gen Z and Millennials' lives, it is a fact that marriage does not carry the same weight it once did in many societies. In fact, a good part believes that marriage is an outdated tradition, opting for a less formal way to make ends meet, as the benefits that marriage provide often outweigh the need for a cultural celebration.
As a Gen-Zer my self, it might be a bit biased of me to question the necessity for marriage in the first place–traditions are great to keep and uphold, but is it really worth fighting so hard for it if it just means that a large expense is to be had for a ceremony? Is a marriage certificate really the only thing that separates a serious relationship from a *serious* relationship? I'm not too keen on the notion that all it takes is a license–and I believe that those that rely on marriage to validate their feelings for a partner widely miss the point of what marriage is.
Good article
The outlook of marriage by Gen-Z highlights a cultural norm shift. How do you think this change in norm will affect the overall transformation of societal values? What will this look like within family structures in the future? It’s interesting to read works like this and ponder the variability of the future.
This blog post really made me think. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, especially since you broke it up so nicely with each paragraph. Now, I'm questioning the idea of marriage and if it is really worth it. The whole thing seems a bit ridiculous in today's time and age. It feels as if something a person would do to post about later on instagram. In other words, it feels as if marriage has lost its heart and purpose. Should people need a certificate to certify their love for eachother? The cost of it all seems shabby. I wouldn't want to have to pay for some huge celebration to prove my love for someone.
This article really got me thinking about how and why views on marriage have shifted, especially among Gen Z. A big reason, I believe, is the economic factors and societal norms that have evolved over time. It's not just about personal choices; it's also about how the world we're living in has changed. Plus, let's not forget the impact of technology and the digital age on relationships and the concept of marriage. All these factors intertwine to shape how younger generations perceive and approach marriage.
As a fellow Gen Z, I totally get where you're coming from on the whole marriage thing. It feels like our generation is more about finding meaningful connections rather than just following traditional paths. I also question whether a marriage certificate is what really defines a committed relationship. It's more about the bond and understanding between two people. It's cool to see our generation rethinking these conventions and focusing on what actually makes sense for us in today's world.