American Marriage Rate Up in 2002/Baby Boomlet Due in Summer

In response to the events of Sept. 11, 2001, look for more marriages to take place in 2002 and a “baby boom” of some size in the summer of 2002, predicts Dr. Nick Stinnett, a University of Alabama professor of marriage and family studies.

“There probably will be a baby ‘boomlet’ of some size in the summer of 2002 — late June and into July,” predicts Stinnett. Stinnett says this can be directly correlated to the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001.

“In times of stress and crises, people often draw closer to one another for comfort and consolation — as an antidote to uncertainty and loneliness,” he explains. “And in couple relationships, that drawing closer may involve sexual activity and consequently the possibility of pregnancy. Then, too, some people regard sex as a good stress reliever!”

Stinnett says marriages are also apt to increase in 2002.

“The events of September 11 have made many people very aware of the importance of family and friends, and that will likely prompt many to go ahead with wedding plans in order to start their own family,” Stinnett says.

“Plus, with military units being activated and/or deployed, some couples have moved up wedding dates.”

Dr. Nick Stinnett can be reached at 205/348-7864 (office), 205/339-2386 (home) or nstinne1@ches.ua.edu.