Question

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Read an extract from a book.
Over the last twenty years, there has been a huge increase in the number of people who remain single.
One reason they often give for staying single is that they have not met the right person. Others say that marriage involves too much commitment and responsibility, or that they prefer the single lifestyle.
(Adapted from Chapter 1: Marriage, Family and the Home, Academic Encounters, Page 11)
Write an essay to an educated reader on the consequences of staying single.
Give reasons for your answers and include any relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.
You should write at least 250 word

Answer 1

The shift towards remaining single is driven by individual freedoms, financial considerations, and evolving societal norms. Women in particular, after facing historical stigma, are now more likely to embrace singlehood, finding security and happiness outside the institution of marriage. Staying single has become a lifestyle choice for many, reflecting changes in personal priorities and social acceptance.

Step-by-step explanation:

The consequences of staying single have gained significance due to the changing societal norms and personal preferences that have contributed to an increase in the single population. While society often pressures individuals, especially women, into marriage, many find contentment and success in remaining unmarried. This demographic shift is influenced by various factors such as the pursuit of education, careers, and a satisfactory single lifestyle, as well as the acceptance of cohabitation and single parenting.

Social scrutiny remains a challenge, with single women facing greater stigma compared to their male counterparts. However, for many, especially women over thirty-five, the single status translates to a fulfilling independence and a positive self-image. This evolution of perspectives is a significant departure from societal attitudes in the 1960s. In the contemporary context, marriage is now seen by some as an option rather than a necessity, with patterns in the institution changing over time.

Financial stability has also influenced marital decisions, where entering a marriage with inadequate economic resources poses a risk for future stability and increases the likelihood of divorce. Thus, it's clear that the choice to stay single is driven by a complex set of reasons, concluding that being single is not merely a rejection of marriage, but a lifestyle that may or may not include it.