Faith and the solo economy

In the developed world there has been a decline in rates of relationship and family formation among adults. More young people than ever are single with no children and no plans for them. These single adults work, live, shop, and worship differently than their 'attached' peers. Despite this, society as a whole has not adapted to this new demographic reality. Single adults are often forced out of sectors of society - such as religious institutions - where they might form meaningful relationships (romantic or otherwise). By failing to consider single adults, we further atomize them. Clearly this is untenable. Dr. Peter McGraw, of the University of Colorado Boulder, studies the "solo economy" - the rise of single-person households and their market impact. In the linked article1, he examines singles in the context of religious institutions, many of which are designed for and around family life. In a world with more singles and fewer families, how can congregations adapt? Communities that…