Final answer:
According to the U.S. Census Bureau data from 2010, the median age of first marriage for women in the U.S. is twenty-six. Over time, this median age has risen due to factors such as cohabitation, societal changes, and individuals prioritizing education and careers. The correct choice from the provided options is b. 25.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the median age of first marriage among women in the United States. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau indicates a societal trend wherein both men and women are delaying marriage. In 2010, the median age for first marriage was reported to be twenty-six for women and twenty-eight for men. This age represents a significant increase from earlier decades, underscoring a shift towards older ages of entering into matrimony. The rise in median age can be attributed to factors like cohabitation, changes in societal norms, and individuals pursuing higher levels of education and career before settling down.
When observing the marital landscape over the years, there has been an increase in the proportion of never-married individuals in the twenty-five to twenty-nine age bracket, reflecting the postponement of marriage. Additionally, the increase in median age is apparent when comparing over time, as seen in the general population statistics from the 1980s to the early 1990s. In summary, based on the provided U.S. Census data from 2010, the final answer to the question posed is that the median age of first marriage for women in the U.S. is twenty-six (Option b. 25).