"A revolution in higher education has created the most independent generation of young women in history, and a revolution in mating has created a prolonged search for Mr. Right. Through extensive research and interviews, Whitehead documents the social climate in which the demands of work, the rise of cohabitation, the disappearance of courtship, and the exacting standards of educated women are leading them to stay single longer and to find the search for a mate even harder when the time comes. Why are there no good men left? Because the mating culture has changed. A 'relationship system' that allows for a wide range of short-term unions is replacing the 'marrying system.' If commitment happens at all, it is likely to first take the form of cohabitation to test for compatibility. The new 'relationship' culture is no longer organized for the benefit of young women who hope to marry in time to have children. The bad news is that love has become work; the good news is that the success rate is high. At the end of a long and perplexing quest, the vast majority of women will marry"--Publisher's description.