Most people aspire to be married, according to a new survey. Seven in ten named marriage as the lifestyle they would most prefer, while only seven per cent wanted to co-habit.
The poll was carried out by ICM Research for the BBC. It found that marriage is the preferred context for raising children. Of those who want to be parents, 89 per cent would rather be married.
Easier divorce is to blame for the increasing numbers of failed marriages, said over 60 per cent of those asked.
Although marriage rates have decreased in recent years, married couples still outnumber co-habiting households by more than five to one.
"The results of this survey say people do not think co-habitation is an alternative form of family life," said Jill Kirby, the Director of the Centre for Policy Studies.
"The suggestion frequently made that alternative family forms are taking over should be dismissed."
