City morality vs Countryside immorality
The Economist reports that unlike everywhere else in the UK the number of children born to unmarried parents has been falling in London, and
indeed so much so that it now has a lower rate than the rest of the country (see chart).
For those who are extremely bothered by such things this must be a shock. But it's hardly news that the Countryside is a hot-bed (literally) of affairs, confused parentage and scandal. Anyone whose read a Jilly Cooper novel knows that, though for those who require more proof there are studies confirming it.
The Economist gives three reasons for this London trend. First the high proportion of ethnic minorities, who are said to belive in marriage more than white Britons. Second the cost of living in London, which makes co-habiting, and therefore also marriage, cost-effective. Third the far greater number of rich people, who see marriage as a social status symbol, much like the Porsche 911.
Are there any lessons that can be drawn? Politically insofar as the Conservative Party sees itself as the party of traditional morality, one might think this would suggest a route back to political success in the inner-cities. But as Anthony Wells pointed out the party is split on topics, so it would be a risky strategy. And of course recent affairs have reminded the public that the party has no special claim to such issues these days, if it ever had.
posted by Matthew @ 11/24/2004 09:18:00 AM
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