Is Marriage Still a Status Symbol in the 21st Century?

For as long as history remembers, marriage has been viewed as a status symbol; something that signals your place in society, commitment, and stability.

However, with the rise of 個人主義 そして gender equality, it no longer holds the same weight. Now, getting married is a purely personal choice.

Still, the old attitude persists in some circles, and you can clearly see that some people think they’re better than others because they’re married.

Is this justified at all?

1. The Historical Role of Marriage

Just a few centuries back, marriage was still a social contract. 

For men, it was proof they were responsible and serious, and trustworthy enough to lead a family. Society viewed married men as worthy of respect.

For women, it meant セキュリティ – being provided for, protected, and accepted by the community. It wasn’t optional because women couldn’t own land or govern themselves.

Back then, this union was a way to climb social ranks, and it had very little to do with love. It was a sign that you belonged somewhere important.

That’s why it functioned as a status symbol, since being unmarried often meant alienation from the community. 

2. Modern View

Today, there are countless ways to prove your worth to the community, and marriage is hardly even one of them.

Women are able to work and earn their own money, and men can enjoy trust and respect even if they’re single.

You don’t need to marry to climb the social ladder. Personal achievements and education tend to matter much more. 

While being married brings 心の充足, it’s no longer a societal requirement. 

Society has shifted, and the idea that getting married immediately elevates your status has become outdated. 

However, the idea that married people are above singles still persists in some circles.

3. Why Some Still See It as a Status Symbol?

Despite social progress, there are people who still see marriage as the only sign of success that counts. 

This is partly cultural – many societies still equate a wedding with achievement. 

For some, it’s still about image. They think themselves more respectable and “grown up” compared to the unmarried. 

There’s also peer pressure. Seeing friends and family getting married can make single people feel like they’re missing out or lagging behind. 

This is mainly because traditional values die hard. Marriage is viewed as a rite of passage and a way to display stability. 

Even in modern society, some still see it as a way to appear more mature. 

4. Divorce and Its Impact

Divorce rates skyrocketed over the last few decades, and that has definitely tainted the reputation of marriage. 

The more skeptical among us see divorce as proof that this union is fragile or even pointless.

Society has become more accepting of single life or free relationships. 

The glamorization of 独立性 and personal freedom has made commitment seem less essential. 

The truth is, divorce doesn’t necessarily strip marital union of its importance – it just reflects changing realities. 

5. The Double Standard

One of the most frustrating parts is when married people look at singles with a dose of disdain. 

Sometimes, it’s subtle, like implying that single people are missing out. Other times, it’s more overt, with comments about how “marriage is the real adulting.”

This double standard is rooted in the idea that there’s only one right way to live. 

It creates a hierarchy where married people see themselves as more responsible and mature. This view is clearly outdated.

Judging someone’s worth based on marital status is actually immature, because we all know that great marriages are rare.

A true sign of maturity is learning to accept others’ choices without feeling the need to comment. 

6. The Emotional Side

While a person can be emotionally fulfilled without a romantic relationship, marriage adds a dose of emotional security and relief.

It feels like you can finally stop going on bad dates and wondering when the one will come into your life.

With that said, being married shouldn’t be seen as a sole validation of someone’s worth or fulfillment. 

Single people are often viewed as being “incomplete,” which is a dangerous concept. A husband or wife might make you happier, but you’re a whole person on your own.

True emotional health comes from within, not from societal validation. 

7. Is There a Case for Marriage as a Symbol of Status?

While there’s very little logical reason for a marital union to be a status symbol anymore, divorce rates have brought a new perspective. 

Now, getting married by itself doesn’t impress anyone, since you can live a perfectly successful and fulfilled life without it.

Besides, in the current social climate, most people assume that divorce is imminent.

However, right now, people see status in the duration of a marriage. 

Being married for ten, twenty, and more years has become a flex now that divorce has been made so easy.

Many people can get behind this logic, since simply getting married doesn’t display maturity or significant devotion, but keeping the commitment intact for decades surely does. 

8. Why Some Married People Still Look Down on Singles

Most of us can agree that some married people look down on singles because it makes them feel better about their own choices.

People who are happy with their choice, whether that’s to get married or stay free, don’t feel the need to question others’ decisions.

However, people who might have rushed into a marriage or chose the wrong partner need to find consolation in the fact they’re “not alone, at least.”

It’s also a form of social conformity – going along with the idea that getting married equals maturity.