Is Marriage Still the Goal? A Look at Modern Black Relationships
Photo Credit: Anchly via iStockPhoto.com
By: Jamila Gomez
Throughout generations, people have viewed marriage as the ultimate indicator of relationship success which serves as a symbol of stability alongside love and legacy. Marriage was viewed as a way to establish solid families that in turn would create better communities among Black people. The modern world presents different priorities and expectations along with altered realities which cause people to wonder about marriage goals.
Research shows that Black marriage statistics show a decreasing trend during the past several decades. Many African Americans currently delay marriage or choose not to marry at all. The reasons behind this trend exist as complex factors which include economic differences alongside changes in gender roles and free will decisions.
The question “When are you going to settle down and get married?” was commonly heard during our childhood as if marriage served as the ultimate life milestone. Many modern Black singles across millennial and Gen Z generations view marriage as an available choice instead of a requirement to achieve happiness and fulfillment in partnership.
People have started this change by observing past generations. Many people observed marriages which seemed perfect in public records but lacked genuine happiness in private spaces. We watched as people stayed trapped in toxic relationships because traditional views of Black love demanded marriage no matter the cost to individual well-being.
The modern Black community now embraces love without requiring marriage to validate its worth. The number of couples who select long-term relationships without marriage commitments keeps growing. Many couples decide to establish financial security and achieve their professional targets as well as care for their mental health and raise children before getting married or choose alternative paths.
The discussion must include the obstacles that stand in the way. Economic inequality directly affects the development of Black relationships. Systemic racism combined with mass incarceration along with the wealth gap have influenced how people marry and when they choose to do so.
Even though marriage still exists it is not necessary for everyone. Black couples continue to exchange vows and establish strong relationships which combine their love with faith and their connection to the community. Modern society has introduced a new perspective because people now recognize various methods to measure love success beyond marriage.
The decision to make marriage a life goal depends entirely on the individual person. Some couples dedicate themselves to creating business empires together. Some people desire freedom and peaceful companionship alongside the absence of legal documentation. The life choices people make are equally valid.
The Black love experience continues to transform as it manifests through various forms of partnership including marriage as well as singleness and committed relationships and situationships and self-love. Maybe the new objective should be discovering what truly brings you satisfaction and authenticity and sustainability.
