New research from private bank Cater Allen indicates that modern British women are becoming more independent than men when it comes to leaving home and getting married.
Research Findings
In the UK, 2.29m men live at home with their parents compared with a figure of 1.6m women. This is a difference of well over half a million.
Not only are women leaving home sooner but they also worry less than men about getting married. Cater Allen believes this is a reflection of the increased wealth, influence and financial independence of women and the research shows 20% of women strive for self sufficiency.
A breakdown of the 20% figure uncovers a generational increase. Nearly a quarter of 18-24 year old women, 21% of 25-34 year olds and only 18% of 35-44 year olds want to be “completely self sufficient.” Just 1% of the youngest group believe a partner should provide the entire income for a household compared to 5% of 25-34 year olds.
Apparently, 54% of women said marriage “is essential” to their happiness in life and this compares with 56% of men. A quarter of women feel able to live a single life happily compared to just over a fifth of men.
Conclusions
There will be differing opinions about changes in family values arising from the increasing confidence and emancipation of women in the 21st Century. No doubt these opinions will be age-related to some extent.
Whilst it is surely pointless to argue against progress in the struggle for sexual equality, current global economic difficulties will undoubtedly create tension and unhappiness as the Credit Crunch dents the affordability of housing. Increasing rents, rising interest rates, stricter credit scoring and fewer available mortgage products make the dream of independent living a far off vision for many, irrespective of sex.
There will be a cost to the environment too. Living separately must require extra housing and therefore more natural resources and increased development of the land.
Even well-deserved equality and freedom has its price it seems.
