Faith
America’s Youth Drift from Marriage Aspirations
Faith Facts
- The desire among high school seniors, especially girls, for marriage and family has dropped dramatically over three decades.
- In 2023, just 61% of 12th-grade girls said they are likely to marry, down from 83% in 1993.
- Less than half of high school seniors now say they strongly desire to have children.
The sacred institution of marriage is facing critical challenges as fewer young Americans aspire to wed and raise children. This shift signals a broader departure from biblically grounded values that honor lifelong commitment and the blessings of family.
Recent studies reveal that both marriage expectations and the likelihood of staying married for life have declined sharply among seniors in high school. Boys remain more likely than girls to plan for marriage, but both groups have seen notable drops.
“Today’s families are navigating delayed marriage, steady divorce rates, growing acceptance of cohabitation and renewed interest in remarriage. Each of these patterns carries implications for how churches prepare couples for marriage, support those in crisis and walk alongside people rebuilding life after divorce,” Barna researchers shared.
Marriage remains highly esteemed in belief, yet cultural shifts such as increased cohabitation and changing social attitudes challenge longstanding Christian teachings. Fewer Americans than ever before are married, and younger generations are waiting much longer before making this covenant.
As modern society accepts alternatives to Christian marriage, only a minority of today’s high school seniors see family and children as central to their purpose. The Church must rise to nurture single adults, guide couples, and uphold God’s design for marriage and family, approaching every season of life with compassion and discipleship.
Let us pray for renewed commitment to God’s blueprint for family, and that our nation’s youth will rediscover the beauty of marriage as He intended. Stand for faith, family, and freedom as you speak biblical truth into your community.