Marriage and Family: Cohabitation
The number of cohabiting couples in the United State has exploded since 1960. The primary attitude driving most cohabitation in the late 1960s and early 1970s was a very anti-marriage sentiment that proclaimed marriage as "only a piece of paper."
Today, it is a different attitude driving cohabitation. Many believe living together before marriage will serve as a good testing ground for the relationship, a sort of test drive. Just the opposite is true. Others saw their parents divorce in large numbers and they are gun-shy about entering marriage and having it fail. So they decide just to live together to see if the relationship will work. But does cohabitation help strengthen marriage? Find out here.
Below are some helpful materials presenting the latest, most authoritative research on cohabitation.
Features
Cohabitation and Children
Most children in cohabiting situations are living with a biological mother and a non-biological male. This is cause for great concern.
Are Same-Sex Families Good for Children?
In Massachusetts, you won’t find the words “husband” and “wife” on marriage applications. Clerks of the court performing marriages are instructed to use “party A” and “party B” instead.
Does Cohabitation Protect Against Divorce?
Can living together before marriage serve as a successful test-drive for a relationship, helping couples avoid years of heartache and pain? Research tells another story.
How Cohabitation is Growing
Statistics on how fast is cohabitation growing, and how many couples currently cohabit, and how many do so with children.
How Healthy are Cohabiting Relationships?
Do cohabiting relationships provide the same benefits as marriage? Research indicates there are some important and substantial differences you should know about.
The Truth About Domestic Violence in Marital Versus Cohabitational Relationships
Domestic violence is a rampant problem and plague in our nation today. It’s a crime that must be taken seriously, and because of this we need to be sure we correctly understand the facts.
Quick Facts
Cohabitation Facts
Exploring the Issue
Note: Some of these resources refer to sites not produced by FOF. These are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement.
