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Marriage in 20s 'is a good idea' Marriage in 20s 'is a good idea'
(about 1 hour later)
Men and women believe that getting married and settling down earlier in life is a good idea, a survey suggests.Men and women believe that getting married and settling down earlier in life is a good idea, a survey suggests.
Of the 1,000 adults questioned, 90% said the ideal age to have children was under 30 and 43% aspired to a lifelong commitment with one partner.Of the 1,000 adults questioned, 90% said the ideal age to have children was under 30 and 43% aspired to a lifelong commitment with one partner.
But 80% of those surveyed for BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour said unhappily married couples should not stay together just for the sake of their children.But 80% of those surveyed for BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour said unhappily married couples should not stay together just for the sake of their children.
And 38% said the best way to care for a child was for the mother to stay home.And 38% said the best way to care for a child was for the mother to stay home.
It also found 41% of women felt guilty about placing a pre-school child in childcare compared with 20% of men.It also found 41% of women felt guilty about placing a pre-school child in childcare compared with 20% of men.
Dr Sarah Childs of the University of Bristol said: "The survey suggests that women are not prepared to settle for merely a 'good enough man'."Dr Sarah Childs of the University of Bristol said: "The survey suggests that women are not prepared to settle for merely a 'good enough man'."
The survey has been split into four categories - sex and relationships; work; parenting and caring and domestic arrangements.The survey has been split into four categories - sex and relationships; work; parenting and caring and domestic arrangements.
Dr Rosie Campbell, of Birkbeck College, has also analysed the survey.Dr Rosie Campbell, of Birkbeck College, has also analysed the survey.
She said: "Women are still doing more of the chores and childcare and they're looking for Mr Right, not Mister Will-Do."She said: "Women are still doing more of the chores and childcare and they're looking for Mr Right, not Mister Will-Do."
Survey resultsSurvey results
The results on sex and relationships found that 90% of men and women say that the ideal age to have children is under 30; 43% of men and women aspire to a lifelong commitment with one partner; 40% say that the ideal age of settling down is between 25 and 27 years old, and 33% say it is as young as between 21 and 24.The results on sex and relationships found that 90% of men and women say that the ideal age to have children is under 30; 43% of men and women aspire to a lifelong commitment with one partner; 40% say that the ideal age of settling down is between 25 and 27 years old, and 33% say it is as young as between 21 and 24.
The results on work, lifestyle and parenting found that 38% of men and women felt that a mother at home is the ideal way in which to care for pre-school children, as opposed to only 0.3% for a father staying at home as the childcarer.The results on work, lifestyle and parenting found that 38% of men and women felt that a mother at home is the ideal way in which to care for pre-school children, as opposed to only 0.3% for a father staying at home as the childcarer.
When it came to housework, 45% of women and 57% of men reported sharing household chores equally.When it came to housework, 45% of women and 57% of men reported sharing household chores equally.
The survey's results will be analysed and discussed on the radio programme throughout the week.The survey's results will be analysed and discussed on the radio programme throughout the week.
Have Your Say: Is there a right time to settle down?