The tempo of relationship progression among low-income couples

Abstract

This paper examines the factors associated with the tempo of low-income couples’ relationship progression into sexual involvement and coresidence. Data come from a recently-collected survey, the Marital and Relationship Survey (MARS) that obtained information from low- to moderate-income married and cohabiting couples. Over one-fifth of male and female respondents reported becoming sexually involved with their current partner within the first week of dating. Entrance into shared living was also quite rapid; about one-third of respondents moved in with their partner within 6 months. Furthermore, about two-thirds of married respondents initially cohabited with their partners. Indicators of family disadvantage accelerated entrance into sexual involvement and coresidence; these effects are more pronounced for women than men. Our results also suggest that the pace of relationship progression, into sexual involvement as well as shared living, has accelerated among unions formed more recently.

Reconsidering the “Good Divorce”

“…In the NSFH, only about one-third (35%) of youth had sex prior to the age of 16, and only 13% had formed a cohabiting or marital union as teenagers. We included these questions because early initiation of sexual activity, early union formation, and having a large number of sexual partners are risk factors for nonmarital births as well as future union instability (Amato et al, 2008; Lichter, Turner, & Sassler, 2010; Sassler, Addo, & Hartmann, 2010). Finally, offspring were asked to rate the quality of their relationships with mothers and fathers on a 10-point scale, with 0 representing the worst possible relationship and 10 representing the best possible relationship.…”

The Tempo of Sexual Activity and Later Relationship Quality

“…Cohen and Shotland (1996) reported that college‐enrolled men expected, on average, to become sexually intimate within a month of dating; their actual experiences were largely consistent with expectations. More recently, Sassler, Addo, and Hartmann (2010) found that nearly 40% of married and cohabiting mothers became sexually involved with their current partners within the first month. Busby, Caroll, and Willoughby (2010) similarly recounted that nearly 40% of their married sample became sexually intimate with their future spouses within the first month of dating.…”

“…Studies also have found that youth whose parents divorce turn to romantic partners for emotional support at younger ages and progress more rapidly into sexual relationships (Cavanagh, Crissey, & Raley, 2008; Cooksey et al, 2002; Pearson et al, 2006). If couples with economically disadvantaged backgrounds proceed quickly into sexual relationships (Sassler et al, 2010), then socioeconomic status may confound the association between relationship tempo and subsequent marital quality.…”

Parents’ Marital Distress, Divorce, and Remarriage: Links With Daughters’ Early Family Formation Transitions

“…Youth with divorced single parents are more likely than those with continuously married parents to engage in nonmarital cohabitation (Amato & Booth, 1997; Axinn & Thornton, 1993; Cherlin, Kiernan, & Chase-Landale, 1995; Furstenberg & Teitler, 1994; Musick & Meier,2010; Ryan, Franzetta, Schelar, & Manlove, 2009; Sassler, Addo & Hartmann, 2010; Teachman, 2003; Teachman,2004; Thornton, 1991)and to have nonmarital births (Cherlin, Kiernan, & Chase-Landale,1995; Furstenberg & Teitler, 1994; McLanahan & Bumpass, 1988; McLanahan & Sandefur, 1994; Musick & Meier, 2010; Teachman, 2004). These studies provide consistent evidence that parental divorce is linked with an increased likelihood that youth will adopt nontraditional family behaviors.…”