Week 5: Cohabiting and Marriage Perspectives

I couldn't help myself, this photos is straight-up AWESOME! haha!
So on the topic of cohabiting, i feel like I was really fortunate to be apart of the conversations and discussions in class this week, i have never had any friends or family with this situation and so i had a lot to learn about it.

I found it interesting that the statistics speak for themselves for the most part in this category of sociology. For example, higher divorce rate among those who cohabit first, and higher domestic violence rates in cohabiting situations.

I also think its important to recognize why its so easy to see cohabiting as a reasonable option.

1) Precursor to Marriage

This one meaning that the couple hasn't committed to marriage but if they can live together, they'll start talking about it and see if its an option after they live together for a while

2)Co-Residential Daters

These are the couples who are still in the dating stage , marriage isn't in the picture but they will most likely not make any further commitment.

3) Trial Marriage

This is comparable to the precursor however, it this point the couple is considering marriage and this is considered to be the test trial, if this co-habiting works our, that's proof to them that they are compatible for marriage.

4) Alternate to Marriage

These couples do not have a need in their lives for marriage we and believe that the commitment in co-habiting is a strong or strong enough for them to maintain a healthy, long-term relationship.

I think that understanding these different points of view were very beneficial to me. Co-habiting is encouraged in our society and its important to know be closed-minded about it, people aren't bad or stupid for cohabiting, for most it is seen as a very wise way to prepare yourself for marriage and you have to respect their good intentions and reasoning. I am just glad that i have a clear knowledge of the effects and the facts behind these actions that form my opinion about it.