Abstract
The paper under analysis provides research in the social sphere of relationships between people. Here the points on cohabitation are discussed, as a constant phenomenon in American society. The prospects of time and morality are projected in the paper in a form of arguments using authoritative sources as well as statistical data. The idea of the paper presupposes closer explanation of cohabitation and its reflections in society. Weighing all pros and cons the research intends to find out the objectives for such way of living and its opposition to legalization of relationships. A descriptive analysis used in the paper is supported with statistics within the last 10 years. Persuasive readings will make the achievement of positive evaluation of the research possible.
Introduction
The seriousness of life presupposes that a man grows up and his/her interests in personal life are developing due to the extent of morality in the society and upbringing in the family. In this respect the problem of cohabitation stands in opposition toward the family building. The main reasons provide assumptions that for people it is hard to point out their significant others. Time is the best helper for this idea, and people in cohabitation just see their differences and similarities in the way of household life and in an ability to project or reflect the emotions of each.
In fact, the research is intended to find out the explanation for such way of relationships. The primary thought of the reasons for this act within mostly young people is outlined. Furthermore, the objectives in the research are given in both positive and negative coloring, so that to provide weighty attitudinal approach of various researchers in previous times. The research also encompasses the current motivations of young people or those being nearly to unite. All in all, the theme and idea of the research are vital for the explanation of social and societal transformation being apparent today.
Discussion
Before analyzing the effects of cohabitation it is necessary to point out the reasons for people to unite and live together for a definite period of time. The idea that living in the society a man seeks for understanding, care, and love is predominant due to the natural intentions being essential in everyone. Thus, an individual is eager to define his/her interest in opposite side of mankind. As a result, the primordial motives drive the choices of people, which in turn may appear to be wrong or right. According to Thornton et al (2007) there are three major reasons for making first steps toward cohabitation, namely:
- living together would cost less than separately;
- it is a great opportunity to check the reliability and future outcomes of being together;
- It saves time for better perspectives, so that to cover expenses for marriage.
It is fair to admit that the well-being of two is a major impulse for making plans for further marriage. People are attempting to make life easier as possible at the time. This idea suggests that cohabitation is a sort of prerequisite condition for making life prospects more convenient. In particular, both parties of union urge to throw down the financial burden which could impede them if being married from the very beginning. Rouse (2002) insists on two main groups of reasons being significant for making decisions, namely: social trends and personal motivations. Both are vital, but the first group seems to be more significant, because living standards have a changeable character. The dynamics of social life presupposes division of the society into different strata. Thus, people are limited by their financial and material opportunities for building their own lives. Personal motivations are prior, but without material background seem to be almost trite.
Taking into account features about the reasons for cohabitation the reality displays the truth of such relationships and way of life in terms of consequences for people. In other words, there is a complex of effects of cohabitation stated in the statistical data and sociological researches. These readings promote an idea of how the situation with the social institutions transforms by means of the above-mentioned way to find harmony. In this respect the institution of family is outlined as a straightforward structure within which a discussion of cohabitation achieved positive publicity.
With regards to Hill and Evans (2006) the negative outcomes of cohabitation are supposed with two theories being rather striking and logical as of the society and Americans, particularly. One of them touches upon the idea that cohabiters are mostly those who are predominantly intended to have no serious relationships. A mere extent of so-called insurance exists in the minds, so that not to load their hectic life when everything seems to be onwards. The second theory outlines that time spent for cohabitation is supposed with late marital. As a result, psychologically as well as physiologically the further marriage loses its genuine importance.
Spending more time together is pointed out as the main reason for couples cohabiting in the United States. The rates of cohabitation in contrast to marriages have been increased recently, and the 2008 Census data registered 13.6 million unmarried couples of heterosexual orientation living hand-by-hand (Jayson, 2009). It is an outrageous statistic. In fact, it is a demonstration of marriage and family institutions decline. Effects may refer to no moral coloring in making relationships based on primordial standards prescribed even in the ancient scriptures. The theme under analysis is too deep to discover.
In previous statistics the situation already was critical as of cohabitation rates and the state of unmarried couples throughout the USA. Thereupon, in the year 2000, for example, the most “unmarried” parts of the country were North-Eastern region and South-Western along with State of Alaska: the Central part appeared to be the most concerned about marriages, especially in Utah (US Census Bureau, 2000). Today the situation is spread evenly in the Central parts of the United States with predictions to further faster tempos of increase.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The analysis of the cohabitation essence being apparent in the United States showed that the increase of unmarried couples is presupposed with both social trends and personal motivations of people living together. The idea of marriage and family on the whole seems to lose its primary significance for individuals apt to outline the seriousness of the relationships. Here the impacts of demoralization and lack of national programs on social affairs within educational establishments, first of all, played a great role. In this respect it is vital to provide social programs for the society aimed at the improvement of the genuine significance of marriage, as a prerequisite of living together. The first reliable step should touch upon the financial support of young people by the state power. In this a case, an element of encouragement should be represented, as a stimulus for marriage.
Reference
U.S. Census Bureau. (2000). Married-Couple and Unmarried-Partner Households: 2000. U.S. Department of Commerce. Economics and Statistics Administration. Hyperlink: Web.
Hill, J. R., and Evans, S. G. (2006). Effects of cohabitation on personal length and relational well being. Birmingham, Alabama: Alabama Policy Institute.
Jayson, S. (2009). ‘Couples study debunks ‘trial marriage’ notion of cohabiting’. USA Today. Hyperlink: Web.
Thornton, A., Axinn, W. G., and Xie, Y. (2007). Marriage and cohabitation. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Rouse, L. P. (2002). Marital and sexual lifestyles in the United States: attitudes, behaviors, and relationships in social context. London: Routledge.