The whole meaning behind the Marriage Crunch will vary depending on who you ask. The truth is that it can mean different things to different people. The author of the original article likely wanted to state the fact that more women were staying single longer and that many were choosing not to marry at all. The way the information was presented however was seen as being a little shady to some.

Those who fear the influence of the media claim that the article was a ploy to try to change the way the world, or American women for that fact, looked at marriage and family. They wanted to either scare young women into marriage or to congratulate those independent women who never married. The latter was not likely their motive. Many theorists felt that Newsweek was likely trying to mold the shape of women and their plans and ideals. In fact, these same theorists claim that today the media and others are trying to dissuade women to get married young by telling them to finish college first.

So, when it comes to deciphering the Marriage Crunch it really depends on personal theory and opinion. It is possible that the article was not meant to be as controversial or impacting as it ended up being. However, the fact is that the message was somewhat irresponsible and untactful. The writing could have been a little more politically correct and less offensive overall. If it were though, it may not be remembered today.