Unmarried women outnumber married in US

Two weeks ago: Unmarried women outnumber married in UK. Today the turn goes to women in the US -- only 49% have a spouse present.

The New York Times:

Coupled with the fact that in 2005 married couples became a minority of all American households for the first time, the trend could ultimately shape social and workplace policies, including the ways government and employers distribute benefits.

Several factors are driving the statistical shift. At one end of the age spectrum, women are marrying later or living with unmarried partners more often and for longer periods. At the other end, women are living longer as widows and, after a divorce, are more likely than men to delay remarriage, sometimes delighting in their newfound freedom.

In addition, marriage rates among black women remain low. Only about 30 percent of black women are living with a spouse, according to the Census Bureau, compared with about 49 percent of Hispanic women, 55 percent of non-Hispanic white women and more than 60 percent of Asian women.
. . .
Over all, a larger share of men are married and living with their spouse — about 53 percent compared with 49 percent among women.

“Since women continue to outlive men, they have reached the nonmarital tipping point* — more nonmarried than married,” Dr. Frey said. “This suggests that most girls growing up today can look forward to spending more of their lives outside of a traditional marriage.”

In UAE it is common for men to be living without a spouse present. That's due to all the nonnational male labor present. Those with low income are not permitted to bring their families. A substantial portion who are allowed to choose to be temporarily separated, leaving spouse and children at home.

*Is this a proper use of tipping point? The article does not describe a social epidemic. Perhaps the notion is as more women demonstrate they can be happy living alone other women will become infected with the notion that living alone would be best for them as well.