Week 5 Readings

Question 1

(Kuperberg: From Countercultural Trend to Strategy for the Financially Insecure): What percentage of women married for the first time lived with their husbands before the wedding in the early 1960s?

Answer 1

Fewer than 3 percent.

Question 2

(Kuperberg: From Countercultural Trend to Strategy for the Financially Insecure): What societal reaction occurred in 1968 regarding a college student living with her boyfriend?

Answer 2

It touched off a national scandal.

Question 3

(Kuperberg: From Countercultural Trend to Strategy for the Financially Insecure): By the end of the 1970s, what percentage of first marriages began after premarital cohabitation?

Answer 3

Fewer than one-third.

Question 4

(Kuperberg: From Countercultural Trend to Strategy for the Financially Insecure): What was the trend in premarital cohabitation rates from the mid-1990s onwards?

Answer 4

Cohabiting before marriage became the norm, with around 70 percent of women marrying for the first time having lived with their husbands before marriage between 2011 and 2015.

Question 5

(Kuperberg: From Countercultural Trend to Strategy for the Financially Insecure): According to a 2015 national poll, what percentage of U.S. adults believed living together outside of marriage was unacceptable?

Answer 5

Only 17 percent.

Question 6

(Kuperberg: From Countercultural Trend to Strategy for the Financially Insecure): What does the forthcoming article in the journal Marriage & Family Review analyze?

Answer 6

It analyzes national data on over 13,000 women who married between 1956 and 2015, focusing on changes in characteristics of couples who live together before marriage.

Question 7

(Kuperberg: From Countercultural Trend to Strategy for the Financially Insecure): How did the characteristics of couples who cohabited before marriage change over time?

Answer 7

There has been a growing divide between Americans with a college degree and those with some or no college education regarding premarital cohabitation.

Question 8

(Kuperberg: From Countercultural Trend to Strategy for the Financially Insecure): What percentage of early cohabitors had less than a high school education between 1956 and 1985?

Answer 8

27 percent.

Question 9

(Kuperberg: From Countercultural Trend to Strategy for the Financially Insecure): What factors influenced the decision to cohabit before marriage among less educated and more educated women?

Answer 9

Less educated women may have delayed marriage for financial stability, while more educated women were likely participating in a countercultural trend from the sexual revolution.

Question 10

(Kuperberg: From Countercultural Trend to Strategy for the Financially Insecure): When did premarital cohabitation begin to grow most rapidly among the least educated Americans?

Answer 10

In the late 1980s, particularly between 1986 and 2000.

Question 11

(Kuperberg: From Countercultural Trend to Strategy for the Financially Insecure): What trend emerged regarding cohabitation rates among college-educated couples since 2000?

Answer 11

Cohabitation rates among the most educated couples have grown more slowly compared to less-educated groups.

Question 12

(Kuperberg: From Countercultural Trend to Strategy for the Financially Insecure): What was the relationship between educational background and cohabitation rates for women marrying directly without cohabiting?

Answer 12

More than 40 percent of women with a bachelor’s degree married without cohabiting, while fewer than 20 percent of women without a college education did so.

Question 13

(Kuperberg: From Countercultural Trend to Strategy for the Financially Insecure): How does religiosity correlate with direct marriages versus premarital cohabitation?

Answer 13

In 2011-2015, 73 percent of women who married without cohabiting attended religious services at least once a month, compared to only 46 percent of premarital cohabitors.

Question 14

(Kuperberg: From Countercultural Trend to Strategy for the Financially Insecure): What does research suggest about working-class couples compared to college-educated couples regarding cohabitation?

Answer 14

Working-class couples tend to move in together earlier in their relationships due to financial difficulties, while financial issues seldom influence college-educated couples’ decisions.

Question 15

(Kuperberg: From Countercultural Trend to Strategy for the Financially Insecure): How has the relationship between premarital cohabitation and divorce changed over time?

Answer 15

From the 1950s to 1970s, cohabitators were more likely to divorce, but since 2000, premarital cohabitation has been associated with a lower divorce rate when controlling for factors like education and age.

Question 16

(Rutter: Cohabitation No Longer Predicts Divorce): What has been reported for over 20 years regarding premarital cohabitation?

Answer 16

It is associated with an elevated risk of divorce.

Question 17

(Rutter: Cohabitation No Longer Predicts Divorce): By how much has cohabitation increased in the past 50 years?

Answer 17

By more than 900 percent.

Question 18

(Rutter: Cohabitation No Longer Predicts Divorce): What percentage of women aged 30 to 34 have cohabited with a male partner?

Answer 18

70 percent.

Question 19

(Rutter: Cohabitation No Longer Predicts Divorce): What does Arielle Kuperberg’s research suggest about the age of moving in together?

Answer 19

The age when people move in together is a more important factor than whether they have a marriage license.

Question 20

(Rutter: Cohabitation No Longer Predicts Divorce): What did Kuperberg find regarding divorce rates between cohabiting couples and those who did not cohabit before marriage?

Answer 20

There is no difference in divorce rates when compared by the age at which they move in together.

Question 21

(Rutter: Cohabitation No Longer Predicts Divorce): What is the critical risk factor for divorce according to Kuperberg?

Answer 21

Early entry into marriage or cohabitation, especially before age 23.

Question 22

(Rutter: Cohabitation No Longer Predicts Divorce): What does Sharon Sassler emphasize about moving in together?

Answer 22

The duration of involvement with a partner before moving in together may be more important than cohabitation itself.

Question 23

(Rutter: Cohabitation No Longer Predicts Divorce): How do financial needs impact the cohabitation timeline for couples with less education?

Answer 23

They tend to move in together in less than half the time that college-educated couples take, potentially leading to poorer matches.

Question 24

(Rutter: Cohabitation No Longer Predicts Divorce): What effect does an unintended pregnancy have on relationships?

Answer 24

It may lead couples to move in together or marry, increasing the likelihood of dissolution.

Question 25

(Rutter: Cohabitation No Longer Predicts Divorce): What do Kuperberg and Kristi Williams suggest about access to contraceptives and family planning?

Answer 25

Access is vital for healthy marriages and can reduce the risk of unintended pregnancies.

Question 26

(Rutter: Cohabitation No Longer Predicts Divorce): What findings did Evelyn Lehrer present regarding delaying marriage?

Answer 26

Delaying marriage until after age 23 decreases the chance of divorce, and delaying well past the average age does not increase divorce risk.

Question 27

(Rutter: Cohabitation No Longer Predicts Divorce): How has the average time couples dated before marriage changed since the 1950s?

Answer 27

In the 1950s, it was just six months, while now it varies significantly.

Question 28

(Rutter: Cohabitation No Longer Predicts Divorce): What trend did Stephanie Coontz highlight about the relationship between education and marriage?

Answer 28

The correlation between a woman’s educational level and her chance of being married has changed over the past 40 years.

Question 29

(Rutter: Cohabitation No Longer Predicts Divorce): How did the dynamics of relationships change in Australia regarding premarital cohabitation?

Answer 29

The added divorce risk from premarital cohabitation declined over time, and it has reduced the risk of separation in recent years.

Question 30

(Huang: He Says, She Says): What is the primary focus of the article?

Answer 30

The article examines how gender influences cohabitation experiences and perceptions among individuals.

Question 31

(Huang: He Says, She Says): How do the authors define cohabitation in the context of their study?

Answer 31

Cohabitation is defined as a living arrangement where an unmarried couple shares a residence, typically in a romantic relationship.

Question 32

(Huang: He Says, She Says): What are some key demographic trends in cohabitation mentioned in the article?

Answer 32

The article notes an increase in cohabitation rates, with variations based on age, socioeconomic status, and educational attainment.

Question 33

(Huang: He Says, She Says): According to the authors, how does gender affect the motivations for cohabitation?

Answer 33

Women often cohabit with expectations of commitment and relationship stability, while men may view cohabitation as a step toward independence and flexibility.

Question 34

(Huang: He Says, She Says): What role does societal perception play in shaping individuals’ views on cohabitation?

Answer 34

Societal norms and values can influence how cohabitation is perceived, with some viewing it as a legitimate relationship option while others consider it socially unacceptable.

Question 35

(Huang: He Says, She Says): How do the authors address the concept of relationship dynamics within cohabiting couples?

Answer 35

The article explores how gender influences communication styles, conflict resolution, and power dynamics in cohabiting relationships.

Question 36

(Huang: He Says, She Says): What qualitative methods did the authors use to gather data for their study?

Answer 36

The authors conducted in-depth interviews with cohabiting couples to explore their experiences and perceptions.

Question 37

(Huang: He Says, She Says): How do the authors discuss the implications of cohabitation on future marriage prospects?

Answer 37

The article suggests that cohabitation can serve as a pathway to marriage for some, while for others, it may lead to uncertainty regarding long-term commitment.

Question 38

(Huang: He Says, She Says): What differences in cohabitation experiences do the authors find between men and women?

Answer 38

Men often emphasize the practical benefits of cohabitation, while women are more likely to express emotional and relational concerns.

Question 39

(Huang: He Says, She Says): How do the authors relate their findings to existing literature on gender and relationships?

Answer 39

They connect their results to broader sociological theories that examine how gender shapes relationship norms and expectations.

Question 40

(Huang: He Says, She Says): What implications do the authors suggest their findings have for policymakers?

Answer 40

The findings indicate a need for policies that support cohabiting families, acknowledging their increasing prevalence and diverse experiences.

Question 41

(Huang: He Says, She Says): How do the authors suggest further research could enhance understanding of cohabitation?

Answer 41

They recommend more studies exploring the intersection of race, class, and gender in cohabitation to capture a fuller picture of this phenomenon.

Question 42

(Huang: He Says, She Says): What is one potential limitation of the study noted by the authors?

Answer 42

The sample may not be representative of all cohabiting couples, as it primarily focuses on individuals from specific demographic backgrounds.

Question 43

(Huang: He Says, She Says): How do the authors describe the emotional labor associated with cohabitation?

Answer 43

The article highlights that women often engage in more emotional labor, managing relationship dynamics and emotional well-being within the partnership.

Question 44

(Huang: He Says, She Says): What future trends in cohabitation do the authors anticipate based on their research findings?

Answer 44

The authors predict that cohabitation will continue to evolve, with increasing acceptance and diverse forms influenced by changing gender norms and societal values.

Question 45

(Manning: Does Cohabitation Compensate for Marriage Decline): What is the primary research question addressed in the article?

Answer 45

The article investigates whether the rise in cohabitation compensates for the decline in marriage rates in the United States.

Question 46

(Manning: Does Cohabitation Compensate for Marriage Decline): How do Manning, Brown, and Payne define cohabitation?

Answer 46

Cohabitation is defined as an arrangement where two individuals live together in a long-term relationship without being legally married.

Question 47

(Manning: Does Cohabitation Compensate for Marriage Decline): What trends in marriage and cohabitation rates are observed in the U.S. over the past few decades?

Answer 47

There has been a decline in marriage rates and an increase in cohabitation rates, particularly among younger adults.

Question 48

(Manning: Does Cohabitation Compensate for Marriage Decline): What data sources do the authors utilize in their research?

Answer 48

The authors use data from the National Longitudinal Surveys (NLS) and the Current Population Survey (CPS) to analyze trends in marriage and cohabitation.

Question 49

(Manning: Does Cohabitation Compensate for Marriage Decline): What demographic factors do Manning, Brown, and Payne consider in their analysis?

Answer 49

They consider factors such as age, education, race, and socioeconomic status when examining marriage and cohabitation trends.

Question 50

(Manning: Does Cohabitation Compensate for Marriage Decline): How does cohabitation affect individuals’ attitudes toward marriage, according to the article?

Answer 50

The authors suggest that cohabitation may alter individuals’ perceptions of marriage, with some viewing it as a more flexible or less formal commitment.

Question 51

(Manning: Does Cohabitation Compensate for Marriage Decline): What are the potential benefits of cohabitation discussed in the article?

Answer 51

Potential benefits include emotional support, financial sharing, and the opportunity to test compatibility before marriage.

Question 52

(Manning: Does Cohabitation Compensate for Marriage Decline): What are the limitations of cohabitation compared to marriage mentioned in the study?

Answer 52

Limitations include fewer legal protections and benefits, potential instability, and lower levels of commitment associated with cohabiting relationships.

Question 53

(Manning: Does Cohabitation Compensate for Marriage Decline): According to the article, what is the relationship between education level and cohabitation?

Answer 53

The study finds that individuals with higher education levels are more likely to cohabit, as they may prioritize financial stability before marriage.

Question 54

(Manning: Does Cohabitation Compensate for Marriage Decline): How do the authors evaluate whether cohabitation compensates for marriage decline?

Answer 54

They analyze demographic trends and assess whether increases in cohabitation correspond to declines in marriage across various population segments.

Question 55

(Manning: Does Cohabitation Compensate for Marriage Decline): What conclusions do Manning, Brown, and Payne draw regarding cohabitation as a substitute for marriage?

Answer 55

The authors conclude that while cohabitation has increased, it does not fully compensate for the decline in marriage, as it often reflects different relationship dynamics.

Question 56

(Manning: Does Cohabitation Compensate for Marriage Decline): How does the article address the impact of cohabitation on children?

Answer 56

The authors discuss the implications of cohabitation for children, including potential instability and differences in outcomes compared to children raised in married households.

Question 57

(Manning: Does Cohabitation Compensate for Marriage Decline): What future research directions do Manning, Brown, and Payne suggest?

Answer 57

They suggest exploring the long-term outcomes of cohabiting relationships, particularly regarding family stability and children’s well-being.

Question 58

(Manning: Does Cohabitation Compensate for Marriage Decline): How do cultural attitudes towards marriage and cohabitation influence trends, according to the authors?

Answer 58

Changing cultural norms, including views on individualism and gender roles, contribute to the increasing acceptance of cohabitation over traditional marriage.

Question 59

(Manning: Does Cohabitation Compensate for Marriage Decline): What policy implications do the findings of the article suggest?

Answer 59

The findings highlight the need for policies that recognize cohabiting relationships and their unique challenges, especially in areas like child support and healthcare access.