Demographic Changes Pt2 Flashcards
(12 cards)
What is cohabitation?
When a couple live together in a sexual or romantic relationship without being legally married.
Why has cohabitation increased?
- Secularisation
- CPOW
- Rising divorce rates
4.. more choice and individualism (postmodernists)
What does the study of CHANDLER state about cohabitation?
Some couples choose to live together instead of getting married.
Why are more people single?
Changing values – singlehood accepted
Economic independence
Delayed marriage
Dating apps and temporary relationships
Longer life expectancy
Ermisch (1989): More common among lower classes
• Jamieson et al. (2002): LATs reflect independence
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- Cohabitation – Evaluations
Q: Evaluate cohabitation trends.
A:
• Chester: Part of neo-conventional family
• New Right: Instability for children
• Feminists/Postmodernists: Reflect choice and equality
what did the study of Smart & Stevens state about cohabitation?
Found that cohabitation is often more casual and flexible than marriage. People in cohabiting relationships may find it easier to leave if things go wrong.
what did the study of Hal Et Al state about Singlehood?
many single people, especially young professionals, were choosing to remain single because they value their freedom, career, and personal development.
Being single is not always seen as a problem or failure.
Single people often enjoy independence, self-growth, and time for friends or hobbies.
Reflects individualisation (Beck) – people making choices that suit their personal goals.
What are the main trends in singlehood?
35% of households are single-person
Common among young professionals and older divorced/widowed
LATs and casual dating more popular
What did the study of Coast state about cohabitation?
Coast found that even though people cohabit, most still want to get married eventually. About 75% of cohabiting couples plan to marry at some point. This means cohabitation doesn’t replace marriage, but often comes before it.
what did the study of Budgeon state about singlehood?
They often see being single as freedom – to focus on their careers, friendships, and self-development.
Patriarchal norms are being challenged – women don’t need a partner to feel complete or successful.
Evaluate the rise in singlehood.
May be temporary phase
Reflects increasing individualisation (Beck)
Links to changing attitudes to commitment and family
