Cohabitation, Marriage and Divorce Flashcards
What is cohabitation?
Two people living together in the same residence whilst also being part of an intimate romantic relationship.
What does marriage refer to?
The legally or formally recognized union of two people as partners in a personal relationship.
Define divorce.
The legal dissolution of a marriage by a court or other competent body.
What are LAT couples?
Couples who are in a committed intimate relationship or marriage but live at separate addresses.
In which age range are cohabiting couples rising?
25-34 age range.
What is the trend in marriage?
Marriage is generally in decline although there are blips during baby boom eras.
What has been observed about the divorce rate in recent years?
The divorce rate has been in decline overall but there has been an increase in divorce in the over 60s.
How has the changing role of women affected marriage?
Women have become more independent and gained more equal rights, leading them to cohabit first to check compatibility. No longer need the financial security of marriage
What does secularization refer to in this context?
The reduction in religious influence in society leading to divorce and cohabitation becoming more acceptable.
How have social changes impacted marriage expectations?
People are more likely to leave a marriage that doesn’t fit their expectations and cohabit to “try before you buy.”
What legal change has made divorce easier?
The Divorce Reform Act.
What economic reasons contribute to cohabitation?
Women’s economic independence and rising house prices. Weddings are expensive with the average wedding being 30k in 2018
What is the Pure Relationship concept by Giddens and how does it affect marriage and divorce rates?
The quest for the perfect relationships could deter people from marriage. People stay in relationships that fulfil them and when they don’t they move on.
What negative impact does Wilson and Stuchbury (2010) suggest about cohabitation?
Cohabitation is less stable than marriage.
What does Murphy suggest about children of cohabiting parents?
They are disadvantaged.
According to the New Right perspective, what is the impact of divorce on society?
Divorce is eroding the very fabric of society.
How have divorce laws benefited women according to feminists?
They have helped women gain freedom, independence, and equality both in society and in family roles
What do Beaujouan and Ni Bhrolchain suggest about cohabitation?
Cohabitation is the new normal and serves as a pre-marriage test.
What is the relationship between cohabitation and divorce rates according to Beaujouan and Ni Bhrolchain?
Cohabitation causes a decrease in divorce by the 5th anniversary.
What did Jon Bernardes (1997) conclude about divorce and children?
Divorce is less damaging to children than a negative marriage.
