FH3 - Cohabitation, Marriage and Divorce

In modern society, relationships, marriage, and divorce have undergone significant transformations. These trends reveal the profound impact of societal changes on personal lives and family structures, as well as the ways individuals adapt to shifting norms and expectations.

 

Cohabitation

Cohabitation refers to partners living together in a romantic relationship without being married. Its growth is one of the most significant social changes in recent decades.

The Changing Role of Women

  • Women’s economic independence has reduced the need to marry for financial security.

  • Access to education and careers allows women to delay or reject marriage.

  • Cohabitation provides flexibility and equality, aligning with modern gender norms.

  • Reflects wider trends in gender equality and autonomy.

Feminist view: Cohabitation can promote equality by breaking away from patriarchal marital roles.

Secularisation

  • The decline of religion has weakened moral pressure to marry.

  • Secular societies view cohabitation as normal and acceptable.

  • British Social Attitudes Surveys show increasing acceptance of living together before marriage.

Social Change and Relationship Trends

  • Many couples see cohabitation as a “trial marriage” – a way to test compatibility before committing.

  • Beaujouan and Ni Bhrolchain (2011) argue it reduces divorce risk by allowing couples to “try before they buy.”

  • Cohabiting couples often have greater awareness of each other’s habits and expectations.

Economic Pressures

  • Rising housing costs and expensive weddings (average £30,000 in 2018) make marriage less affordable.

  • Cohabitation allows couples to share expenses and avoid financial strain.

  • Particularly common among younger generations facing insecure housing and job markets.

Living Apart Together (LAT) – Levin (2004)

  • LAT relationships: couples remain committed but live separately.

  • Reflect individualism and independence.

  • Often chosen by people with prior commitments (like children from previous relationships).

  • Highlights diversity and personal autonomy in modern partnerships.

Impacts of Cohabitation

Positive Impacts

  • Equality: Feminists argue cohabitation encourages balanced relationships, sharing both finances and domestic tasks.

  • Trial phase: Helps couples understand compatibility before marriage (Beaujouan & Ni Bhrolchain).

  • Flexibility: Allows independence and freedom without legal constraints.

Negative Impacts

  • Instability: Wilson & Stuchbury found cohabiting couples are more likely to break up.

  • Impact on children: Murphy suggests children in cohabiting households may face greater financial and emotional instability.

  • New Right concern: Cohabitation undermines marriage and the nuclear family, weakening social cohesion.