What do sociologists think of cohabitation trends?

Question 1

Chandler (believes it’s a permanent alternative to marriage)

Answer 1

• Cohabitation has increasingly become accepted as a long term permanent alternative to marriage (supported by the increase in children born outside of marriage)
• This is nothing new, 1/4 to a 1/3 of couples lived in consensual unions in the 18th century

Question 2

Chester (believes it’s a prelude to marriage)

Answer 2

• It is a transient, temporary phase before marriage

Question 3

Coast (believes it’s a prelude to marriage)

Answer 3

• 75% of cohabiting couples expect to marry each other if their cohabitation is successful