Millennials approve of the engagement ring tradition slightly less than past generations—and are more likely to think a ring symbolizes ownership.
A YouGov survey found that 77 percent of 18- to 34-year-olds approve of the tradition, versus 80 percent of 38- to 54-year-olds. By contrast, 87 percent of respondents older than 55 approve.
Most U.S. adults see engagement rings as a sign of love (51 percent) and commitment (64 percent).
However, younger generations are more likely to think a ring symbolizes “ownership” or “materialism.”
About 15 percent of millennials think an engagement ring symbolizes the economic status of the one proposing—compared to 4 percent over the age of 44.
Millennials are also the most likely age group (14 percent) to feel that engagement rings are a way to show ownership over the other person, versus 6 percent of 38- to 54-year-olds, and 4 percent for over 55s.
Full survey results can be seen here.
(Image courtesy of Mark Patterson)
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