The Left Brainwashed Young Women To Want Stuff And A Career Over A Husband And Family

A recent report from the Institute for Family Studies (IFS) highlights a growing trend among liberal young adults, particularly women, who are increasingly disinterested in marriage and parenthood. Co-author Brad Wilcox, a sociology professor at the University of Virginia, notes that this trend represents a significant ideological divide in family formation, with liberal young adults experiencing lower levels of happiness compared to their conservative counterparts who prioritize family life.

The report reveals a stark decline in marriage rates among young women aged 25 to 35 since the 1980s. For conservative women, the percentage of those who have ever been married has decreased from 83% to 60%. In contrast, liberal women have seen a more dramatic drop from 75% to 44%. Similarly, the percentage of liberal women in this age group who have had children has fallen from 60% to 40%, while conservative women have seen an increase from 65% to 71%.

Wilcox attributes this decline to a cultural shift influenced by progressive messaging that often undermines the value of family life. The IFS report cites various media narratives that promote solo living and question the benefits of traditional family structures. For example, a New York Times article suggested that "married heterosexual motherhood in America ... is a game no one wins," while a Washington Post op-ed celebrated the idea that divorce can lead to personal happiness.

The report also highlights the so-called "Midas Mindset," where work and financial success are prioritized over family life. Polls indicate that many Gen Z women who supported Kamala Harris in the 2024 election ranked marriage and parenthood as their lowest priorities, favoring career fulfillment instead. This mindset contrasts sharply with conservative values, which emphasize family as a central aspect of a fulfilling life.

The ideological divide is further illustrated by the differing priorities of Gen Z men and women. While men who voted for Donald Trump in 2024 placed parenthood as their top priority, women showed a marked preference for career aspirations. This divergence complicates the search for compatible partners, as ideological differences become more pronounced.

The report notes that young conservatives have consistently been more likely to marry than their liberal peers since the 1980s. The marriage gap has widened significantly, with a 16-percentage-point difference in marriage rates among young women and a 22-percentage-point difference among men. Notably, conservative men are the only demographic to have seen an increase in marriage rates over the past few decades.

As the IFS report concludes, the ideological divide in marriage and childbearing is likely to continue growing, driven by contrasting conceptions of a fulfilling life. This trend raises questions about the future of family structures and the societal implications of shifting priorities among young adults.