According to social science data, Gen Z is returning to a more traditional lifestyle—especially regarding relationships and marriage. A large majority (81%) are open to the possibility of pursuing marriage someday, and fewer are participating in one-night stands (23% of Gen Zs vs. 78% of millennials). But do these numbers tell the whole story?
The statistics look good at first glance. But as a member of Gen Z, I don’t see them as the result of a return to traditionalism. After all, nearly 50% of adults under 30 are single, indicating that many Gen Zs are in no hurry to seriously pursue marriage. Over 60% of adults ages 18-29 believe that living together before getting married will improve their chances of succeeding in marriage. And as of 2022, 25% of unmarried adults under 30 were cohabitating.
To a lot of Gen Zs, cohabitation and marriage really don’t seem that different. Divorce is commonplace and no longer carries the stigma it once had. It’s not seen as a failure anymore. It’s just an “escape hatch” in case the relationship becomes too difficult or uncomfortable. Marriage isn’t a permanent commitment in the eyes of many Gen Zs; it’s an easily reversible act.
Remove the covenantal promise to “love and cherish” one another “till death do us part,” and the only thing that separates marriage and cohabitation is a piece of paper. If one partner is free to simply walk out whenever they feel like it, the serious and binding nature of the marriage relationship is lost.
Commitment Matters
Gen Z needs to learn that marriage is important because of the opportunity it creates for a safe, committed, intimate, lifelong relationship—not because it provides financial benefits and a romantic, fairytale emotional fulfillment. Unless young adults understand God’s design for marriage, they won’t understand the true significance of the marriage relationship. And if Gen Z’s idea of marriage doesn’t match the biblical blueprint, the current state of marriage won’t improve.
Gen Z is the most unchurched generation so far. More than a third identifying as “religiously unaffiliated,” and nearly 20% identifying as either atheist or agnostic. But much of Gen Z is open to learning more about Christianity, with 50% saying they’re curious about the Bible and/or Jesus.
So, how can you help fight the marriage crisis? Take time to reach out to the Gen Zs around you. Talk to them about the beauty of covenantal commitment. Teach them about God’s design for marriage. Remind them of the many benefits—spiritual, physical, mental, and financial—that come with marriage. Model what a healthy marriage looks like. Gen Zs need to see firsthand the beauty of the marriage relationship as God intended it. That means one man and one woman, bound together in a lifelong, committed, covenantal relationship.
