1) Identify and explain two reasons for the decrease in first marriages in England and Wales since 1970.
a. Since 1970, first marriages have decreased massively. A possible reason for this could be because they are too expensive for people. The prices of weddings since 1970 have escalated dramatically. An average wedding back in 1970 would have cost around £1000 compared to now which can cost up to £25000 and increase from there. This is definitely a major factor of why first time marriages are decreasing. In this day and age it is more practical for a couple to save their money and have the security of a house behind them than it is to have a big wedding.
b. Another major reason for the decrease in marriages is because of social views upon the subject. Back in the 1970s couples were encouraged to marry when they found their partner, so they could be committed to them. But, nowadays couples aren’t getting married as they don’t feel it is socially needed to prove their love for each other through marriage. Also these days it isn’t seen as such a bad thing to have children outside of marriage if you are in a stable environment, therefore couples are not wanting to marry. Whereas in the 1970s it was seen as a child’s necessity to be brought into the world and grow up with married parents.
2) Identify and explain two reasons as to why women are having children later in life.
a. Women are choosing to have children at a later stage of life because of a variety of reasons. A major contribution to this is due to careers. Many women are putting their careers first in attempt to put money and security behind them. People believe that having a child is a job in itself therefore does not have the time to have a normal job as well as having a child. Couples are putting their career first also so that they can earn enough money and get into a safe environment for their children; children themselves need a lot of time on