Manning (1993) undertook one of the early researches on the question of whether cohabitating and non-cohabitating single women have equal tendencies towards marriage prior to childbirth. In addition, Manning also looks for differences between black and white women, as well as socioeconomic status. Her research finds that for Caucasian women in their twenties, those who cohabitate with their mates are more likely to get married prior to childbirth. This statistical relationship was not observed among African-American women in the same age group.
This research therefore suggests that cohabitation carries different meanings for the two groups, an issue which may be of interest to symbolic interactionists. For African-Americans, cohabitation and childrearing were deemed more acceptable. In contrast, Caucasian women were more likely to consider cohabitation a stage in the marriage process.
Research is still being conducted regarding the effects of cohabitation unions on children, especially since statistics show that at least two-fifths of children in the country live with their mother and one cohabitating father. Early research shows that children in such households may be disadvantaged in terms of family income, as cohabitating couples tend to earn less than their married counterparts (Bumpass and Lu 1999). These children are also more likely to undergo transitions in family structures (Ogden 2005). Parents and guardians need to take these needs into account to take care of their children's well-being.
In summary, the rise in cohabitation rates was precipitated...
In addition, social changes helped create corresponding changes in the way society thinks. The Sexual Revolution brought greater tolerance of pre-marital sex, while the decline in religious influence and rise in individualism further eroded the stigma against cohabitation. These social changes helped to change social perceptions, rendering cohabitation as a more attractive alternative to marriage in American society.
References
Amato, P., D. Johnson, a. Booth, S. Rogers. 2003. "Continuity and change in marital quality between 1980 and 2000." Journal of Marriage and Family. Vol.65, Iss. 1
Bumpass, LL and H. Lu. 1999. Trends in cohabitation and implications for children's family contexts in the U.S. CDE Work Paper No. 98-15. Center for Demography Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Caspar, LM and PN Cohen. 2000. "How does POSSLQ measure up? Historical estimates of cohabitation." Demography. 2000.
Eggebeen, D. 2005. "Cohabitation and Exchanges of Support." Social Forces. Vol.83, Iss. 3
Lewis, J. 2001. "Debates and issues regarding marriage and cohabitation in the British and American literature." International Journal of Law, Policy and the Family. Vol.15, Iss. 1
Ogden, P. 2005. "Households matter: the quiet demography of urban…
