The Process of Entering into Cohabiting Unions

Abstract

Over one half of young adults have lived or will live with a partner before marriage. Many studies indicate that the majority of cohabitors plan to marry their partners, yet research examining relationship progression is rare. This article deciphers the processes underlying entrance into informal unions. Data are from 25 open‐ended interviews with cohabitors who had lived together for at least 3 months. For many, the relationship progressed rapidly; over one half moved in with partners within 6 months of initiating romantic relationships. Primary reasons for cohabiting included finances, convenience, and housing needs; cohabiting as a trial marriage was not mentioned as the principal reason for moving in together. Plans for marriage remain abstract even when respondents determine that they and their partners are compatible.

Needs of fathers during labour and childbirth: A cross-sectional study

“…There is no clear explanation for this difference. Researchers have found that married couples have a more sustained relationship than cohabiting couples, 38 so participants may have less need for information about how to support their partners. To have a coherent explanation for this difference, further research on this topic is needed.…”

The quality of retrospective data on Cohabitation

“…Some cohabiting unions are long-term, stable, "marriage-like" relationships, while others are temporary or on and off and may be entered into for the sake of reduced housing costs or convenience rather than as a long-term commitment (Brown and Booth 1996;Bumpass and Lu 2000;Sassler 2004). Qualitative research has shown that couples often move in together gradually, without a clear start date, and may not have definite plans about the future of the relationship (e.g., Manning and Smock 2005).…”

Intending to Marry … Students’ Behavioural Intention Towards Family Forming

“…The socioeconomic status in most cases is measured by educational attainment or income. Several studies have shown that marriage is more common among people who are economically better insured (Sassler andSchoen 1999, Thorton, Axinn andTeachman 1995) and who have higher education (Bumpass and Lu 2000). The other factor is value-based.…”