Girls Are More Interest In Education Than Marriage
As well as showing the opinions of girls ages 7-21, this year the survey also included the opinions of boys to make gender comparisons, something that has previously been unseen in the study.
The study shows that only 46 per cent of girls saw marriage to be the best kind of relationship, whereas 56 per cent of boys felt it was the best.
When it came to marriage and children, only 32 per cent of girls thought that married couples made better parents.
This was a stark contrast to the boys, with 47 per cent of them saying that the best place to bring up children was in a marriage.
Despite the girls feeling that single or same-sex parents often made better parents, 69 per cent of girls said they believed those types of families were treated less fairly than those who were married.
When it comes to what’s important in a girl’s life, only 21 per cent said that marriage was important to them.
A massive 56 per cent believe that being confident and independent is the definition of success and believe that to be most important.
Chief Guide Gill Slocombe said, “Young women today have strong opinions, and some of these are very different from the boys’.
“They believe they have it better than their mothers’ generation and they prize their independence and education. Girls still value family and marriage but they clearly do not see this as the absolute definition of success.
“They value confidence, so it is a great shame that despite this they feel they are judged on their looks and believe that society wouldn’t value them if they focus on motherhood or work in a caring profession.”
When it comes to girls’ role models, 60 per cent of them said that their parents would be their role models for relationships.
Do you think girls and young women are putting enough focus onto married life, or do you believe they should focus on being independent and educated first?
Let us know your thoughts on this story by commenting below or tweeting us @FemaleFirst_UK
Cara Mason
tagged in Parenting Marriage relationships Education Teenagers