Abstract
This research measures why young adults choose to get married. I designed my own survey, which was distributed to College of Wooster students and alumni. I used frequencies and cross-tabs in order to see which factors have the greatest impact on the students and alumni's desire to marry. I use relevant research from sociology and anthropology, as well as history and psychology to discuss why certain factors are important in the decision to marry. The theories of Arnold van Gennep, Niklas Luhmann, and Axel Honneth to deepen the understanding as to why marriage is still a valued institution. Ultimately, most young adults' have multiple motivations to get married. The motivation that is unique to marriage is the legal recognition of love which, according to my theoretical analysis, contributes to the development of the self.
Advisor
Craven, Christa
Department
Sociology and Anthropology
Recommended Citation
Collins, Amanda, "Goin' to the Chapel, Gonna Get Married: An Examination of Why Young Adults Want to Get Married" (2013). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 1195.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/1195
Disciplines
Family, Life Course, and Society
Keywords
marriage, millenials
Publication Date
2013
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2013 Amanda Collins