A new study in the Journal of Marriage and Family challenges the idea that money cannot influence love. The research suggests financial stability can make people more open to romantic relationships. Researchers from the University of Toronto and Carleton University analyzed data from more than 4,800 single adults in the United States and Germany. They found that higher income is linked to a greater desire for a relationship, a sense of readiness to commit, and a higher likelihood of entering a partnership.
The findings have implications beyond dating. In economies with rising living costs, job insecurity, and housing challenges, the results offer social and policy angles for Thailand. Thai society is increasingly influenced by global trends in youth attitudes and delayed marriage. The study provides insight into demographic shifts and changing views on relationships in Thailand.
Across the two countries studied, higher income correlated with more positive attitudes toward romance and a sense of preparedness to commit. Importantly, money did not increase happiness while single; it simply made people more likely to pursue love. As a lead author from the University of Toronto noted, young people are making rational calculations in unstable economic conditions. They recognize that long hours or uncertain housing can impede relationships next year.
A co-author from Carleton University added that people may delay commitment until they have a solid economic foundation. This aligns with Thai experiences, where many men and women are postponing marriage to focus on careers and financial stability. In Bangkok and other urban centers, birth rates have shown a decline as people reassess life goals amid rising property prices and a competitive job market.
The study emphasizes a “stage of life” view: money may enable independent living and, at a certain point, encourage people to seek a partner as a practical next step. This resonates with surveys among middle-class Thai youths who feel ready to marry only after securing steady work and housing. Data from global sources show similar patterns in urbanized economies.
Researchers also call for broader examination of socioeconomic factors such as unemployment, debt, and housing costs. In Thailand’s rapidly growing cities, many singles worry about debt or affording property while caring for aging parents. A senior planner at Thailand’s Ministry of Social Development and Human Security highlighted that financial readiness is a key prerequisite for starting a family.
Regarding happiness, earning more did not guarantee more satisfaction with single life. The finding is particularly relevant for urban Thais embracing single living, where social and emotional needs remain central. A psychologist from Mahidol University cautioned against the belief that financial autonomy alone ensures happiness, underscoring the enduring importance of social connections and emotional well-being.
Globally, countries experiencing rising singlehood and delayed marriage face policy challenges similar to Thailand’s. While the government has offered incentives for marriage and childbirth, experts argue that addressing underemployment, job insecurity, and affordable housing may be more effective in encouraging family formation. The link between financial security and willingness to pursue long-term relationships signals a need for multidimensional policies that support younger generations financially and emotionally.
Thai cultural norms—such as family duties, group harmony, and the importance of preparing financially for marriage—play into how people view relationships today. Traditional supports like homes or dowries have evolved as many young people move to cities and rely on individual earnings. As cohabitation and civil unions gain acceptance in urban areas, Thai values adapt while maintaining respect for family and social harmony.
Looking ahead, the authors warn that economic volatility could raise the emphasis on financial stability before pursuing serious relationships. For Thailand, this means boosting financial literacy, expanding stable job opportunities, and improving access to affordable housing. These measures should accompany programs addressing loneliness and social inclusion. For individuals, the study offers a practical takeaway: money alone doesn’t guarantee love or fulfillment, but a solid financial base can support the decision to form a lasting relationship.
For Thai readers, this research provides a framework for timing relationships that considers both emotional readiness and economic circumstance. Families and policymakers can use these insights to better understand younger generations’ needs and motivations. For those feeling pressure to settle down, the study offers evidence that waiting for financial stability is a rational, globally observed choice rather than avoidance.
In Thailand, these insights can inform broader strategies to address demographic change, social well-being, and the pursuit of happiness—whether single or partnered.
Cited insights come from research conducted by the University of Toronto and Carleton University, with contextual references to Bangkok’s birth-rate trends and housing challenges reported by national sources. Data from Thailand’s social protection programs underscores housing and employment concerns, while psychological perspectives from local universities emphasize ongoing social and emotional needs.