Why Fewer Women Are Getting Married: A Shortage of Economically Attractive Men

A study done through Cornell University suggests that one of the reasons why marriage is on the decline and at it's lowest in 150 years, is that there are not enough economically attractive men. The study describes economically attractive as someone who is educated and/or making a salary of 40k or more annually. When CNN reported the study, it was less than favorable among quite a few male viewers. One viewer tweeted "My own version: "US marriage rates are down at a 150 year low because of an overabundance of painted eyebrows, fake tits, and women that are more interested in a perfect selfie than finding a real companion." Fixed it!" Then he goes on to tweet the same women he described "Hey beautiful" whilst hoping for a response. As you can see, some may find the study jarring. However, does it hold a valuable point? I say absolutely.

Before you instruct Alexa to play Gold Digger by Kanye West, allow me to elaborate on my stance. At this point in my life, working on myself is a full-time job. I am putting my degree to use and climbing up in my company. I am building my credit and investing into my future. In short, taking on a partner who is fiscally irresponsible and attaching their financial woes onto my name could potentially be devastating. I am not the only one who feels this way. There are many women who do not trust their partners with finances. I could love you endlessly but your financial choices can very well affect me if we are married. 

I had a friend whose mother has been engaged for years. Her fiance is not the one with cold feet, it is her. Unfortunately, her fiance has had bad credit for years. Money burns a hole in his pocket. When he isn't spending it on frivolous things, he is spending it on overdraft fees. Her mother doesn't want to attach her name onto his debt. The thought of combining their finances makes her apprehensive. He doesn't respect money. In result, regardless of how much she loves him, she will not take the next step to officially marry him because his financial choices will affect her. No matter how much money he makes, if he cannot handle his finances, they will be in the red. 

"Well, my parents lived in a studio apartment with me and my sister and they loved each other and they made it work!" is a common story you hear every day. My question to that is why go through that if you don't have to? It isn't about just falling on hard times which happens to everyone, it is about choices. It is not a bad thing to acknowledge that although love is the greatest thing of all but a life together comes with monetary responsibilities. Secondly, responsibility is vital to a relationship because it falls into trust. You have to be able to trust that your spouse will make responsible decisions for the household and family. You have to trust that everything won't fall on your shoulders because of their choices or lack of desire to progress. There are other factors that are essential to marriage but this is undoubtedly an important one. Money has affected many marriages, families, and health. 

In conclusion, wanting an economically attractive man isn't about securing a Birkin Bag. It is about wanting someone who has the same financial goals as you. If you or your partner aren't where you want to be financially, at least have the mindset. Having the mindset drives you to prioritize learning financial literacy and seeking ways to apply it. The more you know about money, the more you learn how to grow and manage it. Also, since it is prioritized in your mind, you will do what's necessary to achieve your financial goals without anyone having to nag you to. This study is basically saying in sophisticated terms that women do not want to get married to struggle. We can do bad all by ourselves. We don't want anyone ruining our credit nor do we wish to babysit another adult's finances. We want a team player. That is something to think about before walking down the aisle.