Cohabition

Question 1

What is cohabitation?

Answer 1

What an unmarried couple lived together

Question 2

What are the 3 reasons for cohabitation

Answer 2

Decline in stigma

Changing position of women

Secularisation

Question 3

Ao1
Decline in stigma

Answer 3

Increase cohabitation reflects the decline in stigma attached to sex outside marriage
In 1989, only 44% of people agreed that premarital sex is not wrong at all
But by 2012 65% of people took this view

The young are more likely to accept cohabitation as 88% of 18 -24 year olds thought that is okay for couples to live together outside of marriage
Only 40% of those above the age of 65, agreed

Question 4

Ao1
Changing position of women

Answer 4

There is increase in career opportunities for women, and this means they have less need for financial Security of marriage and they are free to opt for cohabitation

Question 5

Ao1
Secularisation

Answer 5

According to the 2001 census, young people with no religion were more likely to cohabit than those with a religion

Question 6

Is cohabitation used as an alternative for marriage

No

Answer 6

It is a stepping stone, whereas marriage is permanent alternative

Chester argues that for most people cohabitation is part of the process of getting married

Most people see cohabitation as a trial marriage and tend to marry if it goes well

Question 7

Is cohabitation now used as alternative to marriage

yes

Answer 7

Many couples see cohabitation as a permanent alternative to marriage

Bejin argues that cohabitation among some young people represents a conscious attempt to create a more equal relationship rather than a patriarchal marriage
It is found that women who cohabit do less housework than married counterparts