Cohabitation

Question 1

Findings on cohabitation

Answer 1

• ONS: in 2011 20% of couples were cohabiting (double the amount in 1996)

Question 2

New right criticisms

Answer 2

• cohab responsible for decline in marriage
• Murphy: Kids whos parents are not married more behavioural issues on average
• Worse for gender equality as typically less security for women after breakup

Question 3

Feminist arguments for cohab

Answer 3

• less stigmatised now
• screens out weak relationships
• leads to more gender equality