Atheism and Marital Status
The Pew Forum on Religion breaks out religious affiliation by marital status. According to their detail table, the highest percentage of never marrieds are amongst atheists (37%), almost twice the rate as in the total population (19%). This might be at least in part due to the younger age of atheists (37% are between 18 and 29 years old compared to 20% in the total population). 30% of secular unaffiliated/atheist/agnostic are never marrieds; 45% are currently married. 29% of this group is above 50 years old, so not all these singles are young adults.
I think the high presence of singles, especially never married people, underscores the need to discuss alternatives to marriage, as well as singlism, amongst secular humanists.
You are asking me!?! 😉 Of course, you’re right, Lenny, I am an exception: an atheist and a woman (I hardly dare to mention that I am single…).
Why are there so many more male atheists than female ones? I’ve yet to find a satisfying explanation for that because I hope that we’re beyond the separate spheres stuff where the woman (wife) was supposed to be the holy one of the family…
Atheism is far less established among women than men. Furthermore, in a family unit in the US, it is typically the mother/wife who has the strongest religious conviction. Thus it is possible that it is difficult for a single atheist and heterosexual male to find a life partner. Women, in general, may want to be with someone who will at least be supportive of their religious beliefs.
What do other readers think about this?
I think the most likely explanation is that atheism has a large number of people who are either less social or more prudent and planning. After all, there are fewer atheist divorces.