Have you set your wedding date yet?

The University of Newcastle is looking for women to take part in new research on marriage.

Emma Kirby, a Masters student in the Faculty of Education and Arts, says the purpose of the project is to uncover the meanings and values that young women in Newcastle and the Lower Hunter Region attach to marriage.

"Although marriage rates in Australia have decreased, the vast majority of couples still enter into marriage," says Emma. "So we want to know why young women still choose to marry."

"Marriage clearly remains important. However, more Australians are marrying later in life, are living in de facto relationships, or cohabiting before making a decision to marry. Divorce rates remain high, and young people of both sexes now tend to postpone settling down.

Emma says recent research indicates young women are increasingly cautious about marriage, and about the implied commitment to domestic work and motherhood entailing loss of independent lifestyle and income.

"However, not many studies have focused on the meanings that young women now have for marriage. It is still often assumed that girls and young women want to get to the altar just as soon as possible."

"We all assume that we know what marriage is, yet the meaning of marriage has changed greatly over the past fifty years in Australia. This project aims to find out how young women understand the meaning of marriage, both in their own lives, and in broader Australian society," says Emma.

Emma is seeking women aged 18-35 years to participate in this research. All women within this age range are invited to participate, whatever your relationship status may be. Women interested in participating should ring Emma Kirby on (02) 4924 1022 or email Emma.Kirby@studentmail.newcastle.edu.au

For interviews: Emma Kirby on (02) 4924 1022