Overview
- Among U.S. 12th graders, 67% in 2023 said they expect to marry someday, down from 80% in 1993, Pew’s analysis of University of Michigan surveys shows.
- Girls’ expectations have fallen to 61% versus 74% for boys, with a notable rise in girls answering “don’t know” about marriage compared with three decades ago.
- The share of seniors who say they are very likely to want children has declined to 48% from 64% in 1993.
- Fewer teens expect lifelong marriage, with 51% saying they are very likely to stay married to the same person, down from 59% in 1993.
- Coverage highlights competing explanations, from cultural and religious shifts to online masculinity influencer impacts and teens prioritizing independence and well-being.