Michael Cobb considers the question in his new book, Single: Arguments for the Uncoupled:
It’s been very interesting to watch what has happened to gay politics in the last decade or so. Marriage equality—especially in the States—became the major focus. In Canada, we got it relatively quickly, and it wasn’t traumatic—the sky didn’t fall. But it shows the power of the couple idea. Sexual minorities felt like, "Okay, one way that we are constantly officially delegitimized is because we are not able to marry," and it’s true. I’m appreciative of that desire to correct that civil wrong, but on the other hand it still proclaims the most legitimizing thing you can be is married, which will enable the rest of the world to say, okay, now you can inherit each other’s property, you can have visitation [rights], you can make stable custodial arrangements for the children. I don’t know if a lot of people have done enough thinking about this. Why is the couple and very official couple-making the goal we’re all driving toward?
Because it has shown time and again to lead to better life-outcomes. But it isn't for everyone; and the single life is just as valuable. What we were fighting for – are still fighting for – is the choice that every heterosexual has. Previous coverage of the growing number of singles here, here and here.
The Dish 