FiveThirtyEight Politics
A Valentine? In This Romantic Recession?
Feb 14, 2025
Daniel Cox, Director at the Survey Center on American Life, and Kelsey Eyre Hammond, a researcher, dive into the 'romantic recession' affecting American dating. They explore the rising trend of singledom and societal challenges that complicate meaningful connections. The conversation reveals how educational divides are shaping relationship dynamics, and they discuss the evolving views on marriage and parenthood. With fun games and surprising statistics, they shed light on modern dating difficulties and the interplay between friendship and romance.
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Quick takeaways
- The rise in singles and the concept of a 'romantic recession' highlight significant shifts in American dating dynamics and relationship formation.
- Educational disparities in marriage rates emphasize a growing class divide, impacting women's romantic prospects and broader social dynamics.
Deep dives
Rising Singledom and Romantic Recession
The decline in traditional relationships in America has reached notable levels, with a rising number of individuals living alone. Recent data shows that 40% of Americans aged 25 to 54 are single or do not live with a partner, a significant increase from 29% in 1990. Additionally, among those who are single, three-quarters report difficulties in finding a suitable partner. This phenomenon is being referred to as a romantic recession, highlighting the changing dynamics of dating and relationship formation in modern society.
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