Family diversity Flashcards
What is cohabitation?
When 2 people live together in a romantic/sexual relationship, but are not married
Why do people choose to cohabit instead of marry?
Cohabitation is seen as a safer alternative to marriage, due to higher fear of divorce and costs surrounding marriage.
Declining stigma around sex outside marriage, 44% of people in 1970 thought that sex outside marriage was completely fine, and 65% thought that in 2012.
Fear of divorce
How have statistics around marriage changed in recent history?
Marriage rates have decreased (In 2012 there were 175,000 first marriages, less than half the number in 1970) More couples are divorcing.
Why have marriage rates almost halved since 1970?
Secularisation : Religion has lost its influence in modern society, and therefore there is less pressure to marry from the church.
Women have gained more financial independence and no longer need a male provider from marriage.
Declining stigma around marriage : people are no longer shamed for not marrying young.
What are one person households?
Households with only one occupant.
40% of all one person households are over 65.
Men under 65 are the most likely to live alone.
Why have one person households almost tripled since 1961?
Increased divorce rates, decline in marriage rates, and “living apart together” couples.
What is “Living apart together”?
When a couple do not cohabit, and live in their own homes while maintaining their relationship.
Why have divorce rates increased?
It is easier thanks to changes in the law.
There is declining stigma around divorce, and you are no longer shamed and now pitied for misfortune.
Secularisation. Rising expectations of marriage, so people are more easily disappointed. Women have greater financial independence. Dual burden of women. Modernity : people no longer believe in one partner for life.
