This is in response to “Tipping the scale; Single households outnumber marrieds . . . but stereotypes weigh them down” (Tempo, Jan. 18). The article requires clarification. The Census Bureau survey being bandied about by singles-rights advocates as indicating that “for the first time in history single households outnumber married ones” does not differentiate between “singles,” as in “never married,” and the many in today’s society who are living alone as a result of divorce or death of their partners.
The article, and the thrust of this statistic as used in this article, and other recent media exposures, gives the extremely misleading impression that the brunt of this “singles explosion” is somehow tied to the feminist movement, or made up of 30- or 40-somethings still living lives of the extravagant “Sex in the City” crowd. This certainly distorts the real facts relating to the number of individuals, including older seniors, many of whom are now retired and living alone, including those in nursing homes and “assisted living” facilities. Let’s not forget to count them as being a part of this “singles” Census!
The fact is, we are all living longer lives and are healthier than our ancestors for the most part.
It should come as no surprise to anyone that this will likely become a trend in the future. It is very questionable, if not downright dishonest, to use statistics that are so misleading in order to effect changes in our tax laws, company benefits programs or the marriage laws and family culture of our society.
