Question

Sociology 101

Discussion Forum on Marriage and Family

Part I: According to the reading, why are some couples choosing to cohabitate before marriage? What effect does cohabitation have on marriage? Additionally, explain how financial status impacts marital stability, and what other factors are associated with a couple's financial status. Part II: What questions do you have about the chapter--either from the reading assignment, the iRAT, the videos, or the activities? Be sure to include at least one question or comment in your post about the material before you post it.

Answer 1

Reasons for cohabitation before marriage:

• It helps to test compatibility before entering a marriage.
• There are no legal formalities involved.
• There are no complications if they have to end the relationship.
• People do not believe in conservative norms on relationships and sexuality.
• Advancements in contraceptive measures and decreased male reliability makes marriage an option and not the only choice.
• Weakening of societal norms and strengthening of individualism.

Effects on marriage:

• Couples who cohabitate before marriage are more likely to divorce according to statistics. This may be because they are more open to concepts like divorce if they find themselves incompatible.
• When they enter marriage, there seems to be negative communications and less commitments.
• Satisfaction decrease because their expectations on a spouse is a lot more than that on a live in partner.
• Entering a marriage can be costly than a cohabitation. It may also cause conflicts in dividing financial responsibilities.

Financial status and marital stability:

• A satisfactory financial status will improve marital stability.
• Financial stability gives a sense of security in marriages.
• There can be conflicts over division of financial responsibilities.
• Personal preferences on how to manage and spend income can cause marital dissatisfactions.
• Satisfaction is more in relationships were financial independence is valued.