Single, married and cohabiting? – Attitudes of Generation Z students in Kielce, Poland, in light of the second demographic transition theory

The aim of the research was to examine the attitudes of Generation Z students studying in a medium-sized university city in Poland towards formal and informal partnerships and remaining single. It also determined the relationship between selected socio-demographic characteristics of the students and their views on marriage, cohabitation, and being single. The study was conducted on a group of 462 students from two public universities in Kielce. A questionnaire using a 5-point Likert scale, investigated three statements regarding the necessity of formalising relationships through marriage, or alternative forms of partnerships, and their acceptance of remaining outside a relationship. The influence of demographic variables such as gender and parents’ education on the respondents’ attitudes was also analysed. The results showed that Generation Z students in this city mostly support the formalisation of relationships through marriage, accept alternative forms of partnerships, and have positive views on remaining single. Even though alternative relationships are accepted, marriage still dominates as the preferred model. This may result from ingrained traditional cultural and religious values in the Świętokrzyskie region. The results did not show significant relationships between gender and parents’ education and the respondents’ attitudes. The surveyed group of students demonstrated high consistency in their attitudes.