Monogamy no longer ‘realistic’

One in three UK adults no longer believe monogamy is a realistic ideal, a report on marriage and traditional relationship structures has found. It also suggests younger people are particularly cynical of traditional marriage.

The Modern Marriage Report was published following a law firm’s survey of 1,000 respondents across the UK. It says a third of all respondents believe monogamy is no longer a realistic ideal in modern relationships – rising to 42% of respondents in the 18–24 age group.

One in four respondents were open to a “marriage sabbatical” rather than separation, rising significantly to 47% among 25–34-year-olds. Only 8% of respondents who were 55+ favoured marriage sabbaticals.

More than half (52%) of married respondents cited their key reasons for marriage as love and emotional commitment, while 29% said it was to have children or raise a family.

Katherine Brown, Being Human engagement lead at the Evangelical Alliance (EA), commented: “This study highlights the need for churches to intentionally teach into the area of marriage and sexuality. Over the past few months there have been many encouraging reports, and stories about young adults coming to faith; it’s clear that this generation is spiritually open and searching.

“However, when they come to faith, they arrive at church with unique opportunities and challenges, with little Biblical literacy, immersed in a culture that stands in stark contrast to God’s story – we can’t assume they know what it means to live as followers of Jesus.” Brown added that it is this type of report that prompted the EA to develop small-group video series Relationships Matter.