By Naomi Gerstel, Ph.D. Professor of Sociology University of Massachusetts Unmarried and singles’ week celebrates the lives of many Americans. In 2010, this group included 99.6 million people — close to half (43.6 percent) of U.S. residents 18 and older. Over their life course, many more people will move in and out of this group. […]
Topics of Expertise: Singles & Datingunmarried
Unmarried and Single Americans Week: The Place of Singles in Society has Grown Dramatically in Past Decades

Single Americans are 43% of the population-up from 28% 40 years ago. Single Americans are healthier and happier than ever before-and they are more likely than married Americans to help, encourage, and socialize with friends and neighbors, and to visit, contact, and help out their parents and siblings. In preparation for national Unmarried and Single Americans Week, psychologist and CCF Fellow Bella DePaulo explores myths and realities about the diverse lives of unmarried Americans. DePaulo, who researches the changing roles and status of the unmarried, argues that the persistent belief that single people are lonely and miserable just isn’t supported by the facts. In her CCF Fact Sheet, DePaulo provides data that shows that singles are not only happier and healthier than many other Americans but also make important contributions to our society.
To understand why changes in singlehood have occurred and how families and individuals have changed the way they organize their lives and their relationships, CCF also provides a list of scholars who can discuss issues ranging from extended family care to single parenting, safe sex, and legal and adoption issues.
Topics of Expertise: Singles & DatingUnderstanding Low-Income Unmarried Couples with Children

Why do so many low-income couples postpone marriage but fail to postpone childbearing? Which couples eventually do marry? Why do the rest of the couples break up? How would knowing the answers to these questions affect public policy? A new briefing report by the Council on Contemporary Families offers an advance look at the […]
Topics of Expertise: Child Welfare / Cohabitation, Committed Relationships & Marriage / Couples Conflict, Separation & Divorce / Transition - Couples to Parenting