Young men in Britain are now 26 times more likely to be living with their mother than their wife by the age of 25, according to new research. The analysis from the think-tank The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) highlights a significant decline in marriage rates among those under 30, describing the trend as a "relationship recession."
The study found that the marriage rate for men in their early twenties has fallen by 97 percent compared to 50 years ago. For both men and women married by age 30, the rate has decreased by 90 percent. This translates to approximately 3.7 million fewer married individuals under 30, with the total number of marriages shrinking from 4.5 million in 1976 to around 790,000 today.
Factors Contributing to the Decline
The CSJ attributes this trend to a confluence of modern challenges that make it more difficult for young people to meet partners and establish independent households. High housing costs, persistently high rents, and increased levels of anxiety among those under 30 are cited as significant barriers.
The number of individuals aged 20 to 34 living with their parents has risen from 20 percent in 2008 to nearly 30 percent in 2025. Notably, over one-third of young men (34.9 percent) still reside at home, compared to fewer than a quarter of young women (22.3 percent).
"This is not meant as fearmongering nor moralising. It is a sober reflection of the state of the current relationship landscape for young adults," the paper stated. It further noted that modern life presents increased complexity, with housing affordability, social media, political instability, economic pressures, and a perceived "climate crisis" all contributing to a strained environment for forming relationships. The instability of traditional institutions like marriage and family is also highlighted as a factor.
Edward Davies, research director at the CSJ, commented that the data confirms anecdotal evidence of increased difficulty in meeting people, finding long-term partners, and cohabiting. He warned that unchecked, this decline could impact individual well-being, happiness, and the economic viability of the UK, stating, "These are problems that should worry all of us as it is the country's future that is being failed."