Emily
Ever pondered why unmarried, childless women seem to be the most content individuals? According to a Behavioral Scientist from the London School of Economics, marriage and children contribute more to men’s well-being than to women’s, and they certainly don’t guarantee happiness for women. This insight was shared during a presentation at the Hay Festival in 2019.
The expert highlighted that unmarried and childless women tend to lead longer lives compared to their married and child-rearing counterparts. While acknowledging longitudinal data tracking individuals over time, he playfully suggested, “if you’re a man, marriage might be beneficial; if you’re a woman, it’s not a necessary pursuit.”
However, he emphasized that this singular factor doesn’t universally determine overall happiness, as happiness is a nuanced and individualized experience. He explained that men often reap more benefits from marriage, attributing it to a perceived calming effect.
Married men, according to him, take fewer risks, earn higher incomes, and generally live longer. Conversely, women, he argued, may face added stress and tend to experience shorter lifespans than their unmarried, childless counterparts.
These observations are part of Paul Dolan’s book, ‘Happy Ever After,’ a bestseller where he draws upon insights from the American Time Use Survey. Dolan challenges the conventional narrative about marital bliss by delving into the happiness levels of single, married, divorced, separated, and widowed individuals based on their circumstances.
Dolan asserted that when couples, surrounded by peers or family, boast about their happiness in marriage, the reality might differ when partners are not present. He claimed, “Married individuals may appear happier in social settings, but their true sentiments are revealed when their spouse is absent – often revealing a less-than-rosy picture.”
In conclusion, Dolan provocatively summarized his perspective: “We have valuable longitudinal data, but to simplify, if you’re a man, marriage might be advantageous; if you’re a woman, it may not be worth the trouble.”
