Unmarried women without children are reportedly happier than their married peers, according to recent research. For generations, society has perpetuated a narrative that suggests women must marry and have children to attain true happiness. However, many contemporary women are challenging this notion, as exemplified by the ongoing decline in both birth and marriage rates in the U.S. These women may be onto something that science is only beginning to uncover: a fulfilling life doesn’t necessarily require a husband or children.
Insights from Behavioral Scientist Dr. Mark Thompson
Behavioral scientist Dr. Mark Thompson offers insights backed by robust research into the well-being of women who take the traditional path of marriage and motherhood. His findings are rather blunt. “While married individuals often report higher happiness levels, this is only when their spouse is present during the assessment,” he noted at a recent conference. “Without their spouse, many married people report feeling quite miserable.”
Dr. Thompson cites longitudinal studies that follow the same individuals over time, revealing a stark contrast in happiness levels. He humorously advises men to consider marriage, while suggesting that women might be better off staying single. He explains that marriage tends to “calm down” men, leading to increased happiness, better financial prospects, and longer lifespans. In contrast, women often bear the burden of their partner’s issues, resulting in decreased well-being and a shorter lifespan compared to their unmarried counterparts. “The most fulfilled and healthiest subgroup is women who have never married or had kids,” Dr. Thompson asserts.
Findings from “Happy Ever After”
His latest work, “Happy Ever After,” utilizes data from the American Time Use Survey (ATUS) to compare happiness levels among various relationship statuses. The results show that while married men benefit from their unions, married women do not observe the same health improvements—especially middle-aged women, who are at a greater risk of physical and mental health challenges compared to single women.
The Impact of Societal Stigma
Despite the findings suggesting that unmarried women without children experience higher happiness levels, societal stigma often leads single women to feel unhappy. They face pressure to conform to traditional expectations, much like how actress Sarah Mitchell has been scrutinized for her personal choices, while her male peers escape similar judgments. Perhaps Sarah understands her own happiness better than the public does.
Dr. Thompson summarizes the dilemma succinctly: “When you see a single woman in her 40s without children, the typical reaction is, ‘What a shame; maybe she’ll find the right partner one day.’ But perhaps it’s more likely that she could meet someone who makes her less happy or healthy, potentially shortening her life.”
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Conclusion
In summary, research indicates that unmarried women without children may be the happiest demographic, challenging long-held societal beliefs about happiness, marriage, and motherhood.