Assignment #6

1)      Briefly describe the trend in cohabitation over the past thirty years.

·         Although cohabitation was mainly for those of the lower class back in the day, it has now become acceptable. Cohabitation rates across the board are increasing, mostly among those who plan to marry in the near future.

2)      According to your textbook by Cherlin, cohabitation has three diverse meanings. Please list and    describe these using your own words.

·         1. An alternative way of being single: this meaning suggests that those entering into cohabitation do not have marriage on their minds. It is simply to enjoy the perks of living with your “partner”. This allows them to be free of any legal obligations or commitments, making it easier to end the their partnership if they so desire.

·         2. A testing ground for marriage: Cherlin states that cohabitation is also popular among those who plan to marry soon. This can be used as a “trial marriage”. Partners who are looking to enter into a legally binding relationship want to get a feel of how housework and finical aspects will be shared or divided.

·         3.An alternative to marriage: this definition of cohabitation is more common over seas. These couples live together, have children together, but do not make the legal commitment.

3)      Would you consider cohabitation? Why or why not? If you would consider cohabiting, which of

these meanings coincides with how you might view your own cohabiting relationship.

·         Much to my parents chagrin, I would consider cohabitation. I absolutely agree with the meaning of cohabitation in the sense that it can be used as a testing ground for marriage. I would want to see if the lifestyle of my future husband coincides with mine on a daily basis.

4)      After reading the boxed section on Domestic Partnerships on pages 228-29 in Chap 7 of your textbook, and going over the Powerpoint slides, list 4 of the rights that married couples receive that cohabiting couples want?

·         Being married entitles the couple to many rights that are not available to single people or those who cohabit. One of the benefits to being married would be that they can buy/provide health insurance for their partner through their place of employement. Cohabiters may share a household but they cannot join their income tax return, married couples can.  There is also the right to receive social security benefits and inherit your spouse’s possessions if they were to pass on. And lastly, married couples share custody and responsibility of their children.

5)      Do you believe that cohabiting heterosexual couples should have the same rights as married couples? Why or why not? What if the couple are the same-sex and cannot marry in their state, should they receive the same benefits o married people. Why or why not?

·         I do not believe that cohabiting couples, heterosexual or not, should have the same rights as married couples. I believe those rights help keep the institution of marriage sacred. If those who cohabit also had those rights then no one would marry anymore.  I feel that the privileges should be reserved only for those who are willing to make the lifelong commitment to another.