American habits are changing faster than most people realize.
For example: the percentage of American adults who are single has risen from 22% to more than 50%. Today singletons comprise 28% of all households, and are the most common type of domestic unit. Most of the roughly 1 in 7 American adults currently living alone have chosen to do so, and view it as a preference (for more on this view my review of Going Solo by Eric Klinenberg – one of my top books of 2012).
Given such a shift it isn’t all that surprising that new research shows the majority of meals eaten in America today are eaten alone. In fact, the majority of all eating and beverage occasions happen when consumers are alone. The only meal that most people still eat most often with others is dinner.
Reality Check
As I think about my own eating habits, I realize they are remarkably similar to those noted in this survey. I generally have my breakfast alone, am slightly more inclined to be at table with others at lunch (although of late I find myself eating at my desk more and more), and then share dinner with my wife (and/or with others). If anything, my own experiences would show a greater decrease in the percentage of meals I eat alone than the norms when moving from breakfast to lunch and then dinner.
So What?
Now that meals are consumed alone, perhaps food (and drink) should play a larger role in the life of the church.
- Do you think this trend should encourage churches to provide more occasions for people to gather together for meals and other eating and drinking occasions? Why or why not?
- How often does your church provide events that include a full meal? Do you participate in these when your schedule allows? Why or why not?