| The next national census will be taken in just a few
months. The results will have social, economic, and political ramifications for years to
come. When the figures are finally tabulated and released - probably not until early
2001- they will likely confirm what we already know about unmarried America. The data,
when compared with previous census information, will also reveal trends in marital status
and living arrangements.
Census 2000 will probably document: more than 90 million unmarried adults; more than 6
million unmarried couples, including 2 million same-sex relationships; and that unmarried
people have a wide variety of living arrangements, including many single parent households
and extended families.
What the census will not reveal, however, is the history of marital status
discrimination in the United States, the social pressure for everyone to marry, the stigma
associated with unmarried cohabitation or childbirth, or the unfair myths and stereotypes
about single people perpetuated in our society.
The census also will not acknowledge the pain and economic hardship experienced by
millions of unmarried adults over the years due to this stigma or discrimination. Most of
these individuals or couples have unwittingly suffered in silence or have fought back as
individuals without much help from existing civil rights organizations. |
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Census 2000, however, can be a turning point for single
adults, domestic partners, and their families. The data will remind single people that,
even though society has not recognized them as such, they are part of one of the largest
classes of people in the nation. Unmarried adults are a majority in most cities
and a near majority in many states. Unmarried people should view themselves as a class
that has been treated unfairly, take advantage of their growing numbers, and demand
reform.
Single people can follow the same path that seniors have taken over the past few
decades. In 1958, some visionary elders formed a new national organization -- AARP.
Consumer power and civil rights became dual goals as the group demanded support from
politicians and help from businesses. Today, AARP has millions of members. As a result,
seniors have gained clout both as consumers and as voters.
Corporate executives and elected officials will respond in a similar manner to
unmarried adults, if single people and domestic partners view themselves in a
positive and healthy manner, join together to fight discrimination, demand equal benefits
in the workplace, insist on fair treatment by the government, and use their collective
purchasing power to obtain discounts in the marketplace.
AASP will provide the vehicle for change. You can provide the fuel. Join AASP today! |
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