Final answer:
Between 2010 and the 1st quarter of 2014, the marriage rate of individuals aged 19 to 25 fell significantly, influenced by factors like cultural shifts, education, and career focus. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau supports the trend of young adults delaying or opting out of marriage. Educational attainment is also a relevant factor, impacting economic stability and decisions about marriage.
Step-by-step explanation:
Between 2010 and the 1st quarter of 2014, the rate of unmarried individuals between the ages of 19 and 25 fell by 13.2 percentage points. This decline in the rate of young adults getting married can be attributed to a variety of social and economic factors. Cultural shifts, increased focus on education and career, and economic pressures have led to a trend where young people are choosing to delay or opt out of marriage.
Statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau show that there has been a notable increase in the number of never-married individuals, especially in large metropolitan areas. The percentages of never-married women and men in the age group of twenty-five to twenty-nine have risen significantly since 1970. This aligns with the overall trend of young people living more frequently with partners instead of marrying or choosing to remain single for longer periods.
The economic factor is also significant, as seen in the Figure 16.2 which indicates that unemployment rates for people age 25 and older have a correlation with educational attainment. The data shows that people with higher education levels experience lower unemployment rates, which could also influence the decision to marry at a later age, as individuals focus on their education and establishing a career before entering into marriage.