The Effect of Cohabitation on Marriage Essay -- Compare Contrast Essay

AbstractThe Effect of Cohabitation on marriage ceremonySeveral published studies look at the increase in pre marital cohabitation and the effect of premarital cohabitation on the traditional marriage relationship from the 1960s to present. Issues considered are marital satisfaction, marital stability, marital communication, and incidents of divorce within each group. Contrary to viridity perceptions, studies on couples who cohabitated prior to marrying indicate marriages that are less satisfactory, less stable, identify poorer communication and higher incidents of divorce when compared to couples who did not cohabitate prior to marriage. Factors that attempt to justify these results are explored. The Effect of Cohabitation on MarriageFinding a matched partner and getting married is the dream for the majority of people in America. Statistics show that approximately 95% of all people will be married at some point in their lives (Cherlin, 2002). However, marriage is glide path to be considered more of a short-term and an economic arrangement by many and less of a life-time commitment (Risch, Riley & Lawler, 2003 Seltzer, 2000). It is aline that divorce is turn less stigmatized and is a more frequent event with a current divorce rate of approximately 40% for first marriages (Risch, Riley & Lawler, 2003). It is also true that cohabitation is becoming a more common and accepted way to live. It is estimated that mingled with 50% and 60% of all people will live together before marrying (Cherlin, 2002, Seltzer, 2000 Teachman, 2003). Cohabitation is defined as the sharing of a household by unmarried persons who have a sexual relationship (Cherlin, 2002). Many couples get up the decision to cohabitate in order to see if they are compatible and ... ... feature or commitment? Journal of Marriage and the Family, 54 159-267.Treas, J. & Giesen, D. (2000). Sexual unfaithfulness among married and cohabiting Americans. Journal of Marriage & the Family, Vol. 62, 48- 60.U.S. Bureau of the Census. (2000). Statistical abstract of the unify States 2000. Washington, CD U.S. Government Printing Office. Retrieved on March 14, 2004, from http//www.census.gov/prod/2001pubs/p20-537.pdfWatson, R. E. L. (1983). premarital cohabitation vs. traditional courtship Their effects on subsequent marital adjustment. Family Relations. 32, 139-147.Wineberg, H. (1994). married reconciliation in the United States Which couples are successful? Journal of Marriage & the Family, Vol. 56, 80-88.Wu, Z. (1999). Premarital cohabitation and the timing of first marriage. Canadian Review of Sociology and Anthropology, 36, 109-127.