In January, “60 Minutes” and Vanity Fair magazine polled Americans on their views about marriage. What they found may surprise you.
In 1960, married couples made up 78 percent of American households; today it’s 48 percent. Why such a dramatic drop?
There are many factors contributing to a decrease in the marriage rate. Some say the stigma of divorce is not what it used to be. In addition, more women are working and are more independent.
The number of couples living together outside of marriage has increased by more than 1,000 percent, and 40 percent of 18- to 34-year-old Americans are moving back in with their parents.
Despite all these factors, marriage remains a goal and a dream for many, according to the poll.