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🇦🇺 Australia /Culture & Society

The trait that defines Australia's 1.1 million power couples

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Documents & data Context piece
  • Australia has seen a nearly fourfold increase in "power couples" – those where both partners are university-educated – between 2001 and 2021.
  • These couples, defined by education level, now number 1.14 million, reflecting a broader global trend.
  • While not intentionally sought, partners in these couples often view a university degree as a benchmark and a sign of future planning.

Australia is experiencing a significant rise in "power couples," defined as partnerships where both individuals hold university degrees. An analysis of census data reveals that the number of such couples has nearly quadrupled over two decades, reaching 1.14 million by 2021. This trend mirrors a broader pattern observed in many developed nations.

We spent almost 12 hours together.

— Tanvi PatelRecalling her first date with her husband.

Tanvi and Darvin Patel, a couple who met in Sydney after moving separately from India to study, exemplify this demographic. Darvin, a software engineer with a master's degree in IT management, and Tanvi, who holds a master's in urban planning, did not specifically seek partners with similar educational backgrounds. However, both agreed that a university education is a non-negotiable benchmark for a partner.

I was slightly pissed that he didn't communicate [his intolerance] properly.

— Tanvi PatelExpressing mild annoyance about her husband not clearly stating his dietary intolerance before their date.

"That would be a deal breaker for me, honestly … a bachelor's degree would be a benchmark for me," said Darvin Patel. He believes a university education indicates a person's commitment to future goals and personal development. Tanvi credits Darvin's education with equipping him with essential "hard and soft skills," including emotional maturity and the ability to navigate complex social situations, suggesting that the challenges of higher education foster resilience and life skills.

I just didn't want her to think I was some kind of weirdo. That was weird on my part.

— Darvin PatelAdmitting his own unusual behavior on their first date.

Sociologists and economists often define power couples by education, income, or both. The ABC's analysis specifically focuses on educational attainment. While the rise of these couples reflects a societal shift towards valuing higher education, the Patels' story also highlights the personal dynamics and expectations within such partnerships, where shared educational backgrounds can influence perceptions of equality and future planning.

That would be a deal breaker for me, honestly … a bachelor's degree would be a benchmark for me.

— Darvin PatelStating his requirement for a partner to have at least a bachelor's degree.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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