Cohabitation

Question 1

Reasons for the Patterns and Trends of Cohabitation

Answer 1

1) Secularisation: Churches influence to get married less effective. More guided by secular ideas.

2) Changes in Position of Women: w/ better career prospects women now less economically dependent on men.

Question 2

What is the relationship between Cohabitation and Marriage?

Answer 2

Cohabitation as a permanent alternative to marriage.

OR

Cohabitation as a stepping stone into marriage.

Question 3

Why cohabitation viewed as ‘permanent alternative to marriage’?

Answer 3

Sociologist Chandler suggests cohabitation becoming accepted as long-term permanent alternative to marriage.
Evident through the increasing proportion of children being born outside of marriage in cohabitating relationships.

Question 3

Why cohabitation as a ‘Prelude to Marriage’?

Answer 3

Most evidence suggests cohabitation seen as part of process of getting married rather than permanent substitute.

Sociologist Coast found 75% of cohabiting couples expect to marry each other.