It might sound like a bold claim, but according to behavioral science professor Paul Dolan from the London School of Economics, unmarried women without children are the happiest demographic you’ll find out there. Let’s dive into why he believes this is the case.
During a talk at the 2019 Hay Festival, Dolan made some headlines with his assertion that women who have never married or had children lead healthier, happier, and even longer lives. “The healthiest and happiest population subgroup are women who never married or had children,” Dolan stated.
Drawing from longitudinal data and research focused on this particular group, Dolan, author of the bestselling “Happiness by Design,” suggests there’s compelling evidence to back up his claim.
“We have good longitudinal data that follows people over time, but I am going to do a massive disservice to the science and just say: if you’re a man, you should probably get married; if you’re a woman, don’t bother,” Dolan boldly claims.
Reevaluating The Pressure of Marriage and Kids
Dolan notes an intriguing point about marital bliss being reported significantly higher when spouses were in the same room during surveys, hinting at a possible discrepancy in how happiness within marriage is perceived. While acknowledging marriage might make men “calmer,” leading to fewer risks, higher earnings, and potentially longer life, Dolan suggests women might not reap the same benefits. “She, on the other hand, has to put up with that, and she dies sooner than if she never married. The healthiest and happiest population subgroup are women who never married or had children,” he adds.
This bold stance is not just about scrutinizing the health benefits of marriage for men versus women; Dolan aims to challenge societal norms and stereotypes surrounding unmarried, childless women. While acknowledging that having children can be an “amazing experience” for some, he stresses that it’s not the case for everyone. The inability to discuss openly why that might be is seen as a significant societal issue by Dolan.
His views, which may seem somewhat unorthodox, primarily seek to break the mold on the conventional narrative that marriage and children are direct pathways to fulfillment and happiness for women. By shedding light on the pressures and expectations placed on women’s shoulders, Dolan encourages a more open conversation about happiness, health, and the diverse ways they can be achieved.
So, as we sift through the data and personal anecdotes, it’s clear that happiness and fulfillment come in many forms, not just the ones tradition has handed down to us. Whether through partnership, parenthood, or the pursuit of personal goals and freedoms, the most important thing is finding what truly brings joy and satisfaction to your life.
