With many women in the workforce, and having similar career aspirations as men, SMU Dean of Students and Professor of Sociology (Practice) Paulin Straughan said that marital expectations have gone up because finding a husband is no longer an economic necessity for most women, "love is about shared values, aspirations, companionship and it's not strictly defined." In one's 20s, other goals, such as pursuing higher education or employment opportunities, may be more urgent than settling down, added Prof Straughan. "The older you are, the more entrenched your expectations (towards finding a spouse) and you will hold out longer," she said.