E6K+table+–+SUN

The table compares marriage statistics in Australia in 1981 and 2002. The overall trend shows fewer marriages, older marriage age, higher number of divorces and greater percentage of de facto relationships. In 1981, the number of registered marriages was higher than in 2002. Although there was a gradual decline in the number of marriages, the number of divorces had dramatically soared by almost 14,000. Furthermore, the average age of brides and grooms had risen significantly by 5.7 and 5.1 respectively. However, the number of couples who lived together before marriage in 2002 had almost doubled the figure in 1981. This trend could have been the result of a number of factors. The fewer number of marriages and higher number of divorces may have been largely due to the equal role of women in the workplace and their independence compared to the past. The higher average age of couples could have attributed to people studying higher education and paying more attention to their careers, which may also have been the possible reason for the higher proportion of couples who lived together before marriage. In summary, it is clearly seen that there are definite links between different periods and marriage.