Abstract
This paper analyzes the dynamics of changes in cohabitation, focusing on its social perception and legal regulation. In the 1970s, this form of relationship was often socially frowned upon, contradicting traditional ideas about family. However, by the 21st century, this phenomenon had become one of the most common alternatives to marriage, quite common among American youth. This is due to the establishment of legal status for cohabitation, reduced social stigma, and individuals’ personal beliefs.
Introduction
Cohabitation is a form of joint living in which the couple is not married. Since the 1970s, this phenomenon has undergone significant changes, spreading to diverse populations. Social beliefs, legal regulation, and individuals’ cultural values influenced its perception. Across different demographic groups, attitudes toward cohabitation have changed under the influence of traditional beliefs and a modernizing society. Therefore, this paper analyzes the dynamics of cohabitation in America over the past 50 years, including changes in its perception at the social and legal levels and its prevalence across different population groups.
Evolution of Cohabitation
Historically, cohabitation has been unacceptable and often met with public disapproval for violating traditional values. According to Davis (2020), the first cohabitation records appeared in 1973 in the National Survey of Family Growth. Since then, the phenomenon has become increasingly common in national registries. It is due to a shift in social focus towards individual autonomy and the gradual decline in the importance of barracks. In the 1980s, cohabitation became an alternative to marriage, mainly spreading among American youth (Lesthaeghe, 2020).
One reason for this is changes in social norms and lower societal expectations. However, Lesthaeghe (2020) notes that in the 1980s, the rise of cohabitation and the lack of a legal framework to regulate it led to declining fertility in many countries, including the United States. One reason is the lack of social guarantees and protections compared to marriage. Therefore, starting in the 1990s, legal adjustments began to be introduced to recognize the official status of cohabitation (Lesthaeghe, 2020). By the 21st century, cohabitation had become the norm, with most Americans endorsing it as a legitimate relationship choice.
Cohabitation Aspects
One of the main aspects related to cohabitation is its legal status. Many individuals did not want to enter an official marriage because it imposed legal restrictions (Sassler & Lichter, 2020). At the same time, the legalization of relations could bring significant benefits, including taxation and the establishment of child custody.
Initially, cohabiting couples faced legal issues regarding property rights, inheritance, and child custody in the event of separation or death. However, over time, many states have enacted laws recognizing cohabitation and granting couples certain rights and protections (Davis, 2020). In addition, in the 21st century, these rights extended to same-sex cohabitation, establishing their legal status.
Cohabitation and its perception may differ across populations, including along racial, ethnic, and cultural lines. Sassler and Lichter (2020) note that in cultures where religion is essential in people’s lives, this form of cohabitation is less common. At the same time, members of racial and ethnic groups are more likely to choose cohabitation as a form of relationship compared to whites. It may be more common among many people of color in America due to lower incomes and reluctance to deal with the financial burdens of marriage (Dew, 2021). Therefore, cohabitation is becoming increasingly popular among diverse populations and is considered an optimal alternative to marriage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, from the time cohabitation first appeared in national surveys as a social phenomenon in the 1970s until the present day, it has undergone significant changes. Developing a legal framework and lowering social standards contributed to its popularization as one of the most optimal alternatives to marriage. Moreover, cohabitation extends to diverse populations, who are less likely to violate traditional ideas about relationships. It is due to the provision of social guarantees and financial protection, as well as to the reduction of the influence of cultural tradition and social stigma.
References
Davis, M. A. (2020). Defining marriage and families: Data and measurement. In Farris, D. N., & Bourque, A. J. J. (Eds.), International Handbook on the Demography of Marriage and the Family. International Handbooks of Population(pp. 23-47). Springer.
Dew, J. (2021). Ten years of marriage and cohabitation research in the Journal of Family and Economic Issues. Journal of Family and Economic Issues, 42, 52-61.
Lesthaeghe, R. (2020). The second demographic transition, 1986–2020: Sub-replacement fertility and rising cohabitation—A global update. Genus, 76, 1-38.
Sassler, S., & Lichter, D. T. (2020). Cohabitation and marriage: Complexity and diversity in union‐formation patterns. Journal of Marriage and Family, 82(1), 35-61.