Trends in Marriage and Cohabitation

Question 1

What has been a trend in career aspirations in contemporary society?

Answer 1

Rise in average career aspirations

This reflects changing social attitudes towards work and personal fulfillment.

Question 2

What are some alternatives to marriage that have gained popularity?

Answer 2

Cohabitation

This indicates a shift in societal norms regarding long-term relationships.

Question 3

How has the average marriage age changed for women?

Answer 3

Marriage age has sharply risen

This trend is often associated with increased focus on career and personal goals.

Question 4

What does Wave 2 Feminism emphasize?

Answer 4

Greater control over reproductive rights

This includes access to abortion, contraception, and IVF.

Question 5

What is a characteristic of ‘living apart together’ relationships?

Answer 5

Increased individual autonomy

This reflects a postmodern view of relationships where traditional living arrangements are less common.

Question 6

How do postmodernists view love in contemporary society?

Answer 6

Characterized by uncertainty and transience

This perspective suggests that traditional notions of love are evolving.

Question 7

What impact has increased medical technology had on relationships?

Answer 7

Delayed childbearing and marriage

This allows individuals to prioritize personal and professional goals.

Question 8

What is ‘liquid love’ as described in modern relationships? Bauman

Answer 8

Relationships characterized by fluidity and lack of commitment.
This term reflects the instability and changing nature of modern romantic connections and the challenges people face in terms of maintaining long term relationships (why decrease in marriage)

Question 9

What factors contribute to the delay in marriage among individuals?

Answer 9

Fear of divorce and the pursuit of the right partner

This highlights the challenges of maintaining lasting connections.

Question 10

What does Jamieson et al (2002) suggest about cohabitation?

Answer 10

Cohabitation as an alternative form of commitment. Surveyed couples 20-29 living together without marrying. Questioned the idea that they wound gain anything from marriage.

This indicates a shift in how commitment is perceived in relationships.

Question 11

What is a common perception about marriage in contemporary society?

Answer 11

Marriage may not provide significant benefits

This reflects changing attitudes towards the institution of marriage.

Question 12

What is the role of financial and social independence in modern relationships?

Answer 12

Independence affects commitment levels

This indicates that individuals may prioritize their autonomy over traditional commitments.

Question 13

True or False: Cohabitation is seen as a step away from committed relationships.

Answer 13

True

This reflects a societal view that cohabitation may lack the permanence of marriage.

Question 14

Fill in the blank: The rise of _______ has contributed to increased instability in relationships.

Answer 14

Divorce rates

This has led individuals to seek more control over their relationship choices.

Question 15

Smart

Answer 15

Family is defined beyond biological connections. This includes relationships with pets, friends, and chosen family.

Question 16

Giddens

Answer 16

Termed ‘confluent love’ as how individuals now want meaningful relationships so if they are no longer beneficial to them, it won’t continue and the individual will seek an alternative. (S by Postmodernism)
Challenges traditional assumptions associated with the New Right and the Nuclear Family in terms of stability and needs.

Question 17

Allan and Crowe

Answer 17

Supports Giddens
Focus on marriage is now the relationship. People expect more emotional fulfilment. Economic freedom means people will not stay together if not satisfied in their relationship (wave 2 Feminism)