Are African American Men and Women Marrying More or Less?

The wedding season is upon us and planners are checking off their lists to create unforgettable moments for the bride and groom. Weddings are memorable moments – filled with beautiful clothes, sunlit beaches and flowing champagne. The stuff many little boys and girls dream of.

Yet although we are in the midst the wedding season, it may seem a little dry for african american men and women. According to the 2010 US Census Bureau, marital patterns differ by race and age. The statistics indicate that the latter part of the 20th century saw black men and women marrying at an older age compared to White men and women.

Between 1890 through 1950, black men who married for the first time were younger compared to white men. However since 1960, according to the census, black men marrying for the first time were older compared to White men. In 2010, black men were 31 years old compared to white men at 28 marrying for the first time.

The Census Bureau also reported in the past 50 years, between 1890 and 1940, black women who married for the first time were older compared to White women. Since 1950, black women were older marrying for the first time compared to White women. In 2010, Black women were 30 years old compared to 26 years of age for White women marrying the first time.

The US Census Bureau Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) stated, “In 2009, 70.5 percent of black women age 25 to 29 never married compared with 43.3 percent of non- hispanic white women.” In 1986 and 2009 the statistics indicate black women out numbered non-hispanic white women who never married from ages 25-54 years old. For example in 2009, 24.5 percent of Black women age 50 to 54 never married compared to 7.8 percent for non-hispanic white women. However, according to SIPP, the statistics in 2001, 2004, and 2009 indicated that black women 55 and older have a higher marrying percentage rate compared to non-hispanic white women. For example in 2009, the statistics indicated black women 55 and older had a higher marrying rate of 13.0 compared to non-hispanic white women at 4.7 percent. So what does this all mean? Are african american men and women marrying more or less?

According to an article in the New York Times entitled Black, Female and Single, author Angela Stanley said, “Black women marry later, but they do marry.” black men and women are marrying, but perhaps at an older age compared to other ethnic groups according to the data. Stanley states, “Census numbers show that 73.1 percent of black men between ages of 25 and 29 have never married. That is actually higher than the numbers associated with black women.” Nonetheless it appears, black men and women are marrying, but at an older age compared to other races and or never married because of education, social, culture, economic circumstances that impact the institution of marriage for black men and women.

Book critic Imani Perry of the New York Times gives a poignant conclusion after reviewing the book Is Marriage for White People? By Ralph Richard Banks. “African-Americans value marriage as much as other, groups, despite the statistics, says Perry.” But the impediments to marriage for black people are daunting and multifaceted.” These multifaceted circumstances are the disproportionate rates between black men and women obtaining an education, and the increased number of black men incarcerated, which negatively impacts black men from obtaining employment. Translation – economic disadvantages influence black men and women from marrying. “In evaluating potential mates, economic stability still matters more for African-Americans than for other groups.”

The lack of economic stability could be a major influence why black men and women never marry as well as why black couples marry later in life which would influence the high number of black women marrying at an older age.