Marriage rates in France are about 45 percent below U.S. levels. Whence the trend? Theories: This (French) generation’s nearly universal rejection of religion, and a massive migration to more independent-friendly urban areas.

  • Despite warnings from religious conservatives, society hasn’t crumbled in tandem with marriage rates.
  • Also, out-of-wedlock births are up in the U.S. — and not only to teens, but to mothers choosing to put off marriage.

  • Washington Post:

    PARIS — Sandrine Folet and Lucas Titouh have two children, a stylish Paris apartment and a 15-year-old partnership.

    They have no intention of getting married.

    “We don’t feel the need to get married,” said Folet, 36, who has known Titouh, 40, since she was a teenager. “I don’t know many people in our age group who are married.”

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