Cohabitation
Irene Wang
4/18/2020
Society is becoming more and more accepting of cohabitation as an alternative relationship arrangement to marriage. Generational differences as well as differences across different social groups in attitude towards cohabitation can be observed.
Cohabitation has surged over the past decade, surpassing marriage and is now becoming a social norm. The rapid globalization of economy, immigration, as well as technological advancements have significantly contributed to the change in social perception of cohabitation. Marriage, like most other social institutions, is facing an unprecedented challenge from alternative relationships and living arrangements such as cohabitation. This social attitude change towards cohabitation can be most clearly observed between generational cohorts.
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The effect of cohabitation can be observed in rates of premarital sex and children born out of wedlock, two factors closely linked to cohabitation. There is a rapid increase in the proportion of births to unmarried mothers—from 4.0% in 1950 to 33.0% in 1999. Of which, nearly half are by cohabiting mothers (Heuveline and Timberlake). Cohort estimates show significant increases in the percent of US women who had premarital sex by age 25, rising from 53% to 75%, 83%, and 87% for those born 1939–1948, 1949– 1958, 1959–1968, and 1969–1978, respectively (Wu et al. 727). These numbers are likely the result of higher rates of cohabitation, which provides more opportunities for premarital sex and a more viable way for childrearing. As cohabitation becomes a more socially acceptable form of relationship, these rates will likely continue to increase.
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Cohabitation is increasingly being viewed by Americans as a socially acceptable alternative to marriage. This means cohabiting couples now face less social pressure from their family and friends to get married (Horowitz et al. 10-11). They are also seen to be equally capable of familial duties, such as raising children, as married couples (Horowitz et al. 10-11, 36). Long-term cohabiting couples often have marriage-like living arrangements, shared familial duties, and significant financial interdependence. With increasing social acceptance, these cohabitating couples can now enjoy greater social recognition and legitimacy to their relationship.
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Despite the increased popularity of cohabitation, the majority of Americans do still see the social benefits of marriage over cohabitation, with certain social groups more so than others. A mass survey conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2019 found that older adults (64%), White Evangelicals (78%), as well as Republicans (69%), are more likely to support the statement “Society is better off if couples who want to stay together long-term eventually get married”. On the other hand, young adults (55%), people with no religious affiliation (90%), and Democrats (59%) are more likely to support the statement “Society is just as well off if couples who want to stay together long-term decide not to marry” (Horowitz et al. 24). It is notable here that groups traditionally perceived as being more conservative tend to see marriage as more beneficial to society than cohabitation. In contrast, traditionally more liberal groups think cohabitation is more equal to marriage in terms of social benefits. It makes sense that marriage, being a traditional social institution, would be strongly supported and upheld by those with more traditional values.
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Cohabitation, with its fluid nature, appeals more to individuals who prefer more social freedom and seeks out alternative methods rather than sticking with traditional rules. But recent studies have shown that more and more older adults are accepting cohabitation and engaging in cohabitation as well (Brown and Wright). The generational pattern is observed here, as each generation of seniors becomes more accepting of cohabitation than the last. This suggests that society as a whole is moving towards integrating cohabitation as a social norm, regardless of age. Social liberation can undermine traditional social institutions such as marriage which binds two individuals together by law. While marriage might be the ultimate goal for some cohabiting couples, cohabitation itself is seen as an escape from the financial responsibilities associated with marriage. In fact, lack of financial readiness is one of the top reasons for cohabiting couples to hold off on marriage (Horowitz et al. 9). Cohabitation bypasses the economical commitment of marriage and gives people more individual financial freedom and independence from their partners.
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The relationship between cohabitation and marriage is a dynamic one. Premarital cohabitation has increased in recent years as more and more couples have tried cohabitation prior to their marriage. In these cases, cohabitation may serve as a “trial” for marriage for some people, though it is not very predictive of future marital success (Skinner 74). Various studies have found conflicting results in terms of cohabitation’s effect on relationship quality in comparison to marriage. Some studies have found that cohabiting couples with long-term plans might be similar to married couples in relationship quality and different from other cohabiting couples (Skinner 75). While other studies have suggested that married couples enjoy higher relationship satisfaction and have more trust in their partners than cohabiting couples (Horowitz et al. 4). It is difficult to compare cohabitation and marriage objectively as the large variation between cohabiting couples can swing from more independent single-like status to long-term marriage-like status. Depending on the individual's relationship status, cohabiting couples can have very different responses when it comes to relationship satisfaction and commitment. The more involved cohabitating relationships provide people with the freedom to move in and have intimate relationships together and do “all the things that married people do” without formal legal obligations and responsibilities. In contrast, less committed cohabitors have more unstable relationships and such relationships often dissolve quickly.
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Although there is increased social acceptance for cohabiting couples and more perceived similarity with marriage, true social equality and similar legal benefits have not yet been achieved. In Helen Alvare’s article for the Institute for Family Studies titled “U.S. Cohabitation Law: Still Separate and Unequal”, Alvare states that:
“It is likely that the U.S. difference on cohabitation law relates to scholarship continuing to highlight the relationships between marriage and family stability, marriage and child-outcomes, and the lived, practical differences between the expectations and experiences of cohabitants and spouses.”
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As seen in the studies provided previously pointing out cohabitation’s potential ineffectiveness as a “trial period” for marriage, compounded by the fact of limited or in some cases, non-existent legal protection, practical social benefits for cohabitation are still lacking in the U.S.
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Despite current stagnancy in policy change, the cohabitation rate is increasing faster than ever. The line between the once prestigious social institution of marriage and casual cohabitation has become thin as the concept of romantic and familial union becomes more diversified and fluid. As social norms change, so will the law that governs it. The traditions and institutions of the past are going to face new challenges with the rise of each new generation, and marriage is no exception.
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Works Cited
Brown, Susan L., and Matthew R. Wright. “Older Adults’ Attitudes Toward
Cohabitation: Two decades of Change.” Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, vol. 71, no. 4, 2016, pp. 755–764.
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French, Michael T, et al. “Personal Traits, Cohabitation, and Marriage.” Social
Science Research, vol. 45, 2014, pp. 184–199.
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Heuveline, Patrick, and Jeffrey M Timberlake. “The Role of Cohabitation in Family
Formation: The United States in Comparative Perspective.” Journal of marriage and the family vol. 66,5 (2004): 1214-1230. doi:10.1111/j.0022-2445.2004.00088.x
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Horowitz, Juliana, et al. “Marriage and Cohabitation in the U.S.” Pew Research
Center's Social & Demographic Trends Project, Pew Research Center, 9 Nov. 2019, www.pewsocialtrends.org/2019/11/06/marriage-and-cohabitation-in-the-u-s/.
Skinner, Kevin B, et al. “Cohabitation, Marriage, and Remarriage: A Comparison of
Relationship Quality Over Time.” Journal of Family Issues, vol. 23, no. 1, 2002, pp. 74–90.
Wu, Lawrence L. L, et al. “Reexamining Trends in Premarital Sex in the United
States.” Demographic Research, vol. 38, no. 1, 2018, pp. 727–736.
