Question 2# Cohabitation
Cohabitation is the practice involving unmarried heterosexual couples putting up in a common place of residence. Indefinitely, it is a public recognition of occurrence of an intimate sexual relationship between two unmarried couples (Clopp, 13). Even though cohabitation has not, over the years, been the only type of intimate relationship involving unmarried couple, it has drawn a lot of attention owing to the fact that it openly challenges religious viewpoint against premarital or extra marital sexual intimacy. The nonconformity nature of cohabitation is a big threat to social stability. In fact, cohabitation has been found to erode commitment to marriage as well as family. In earlier days, marriage was a demographic event which marked starting of a family household as well as the onset of sexual relation and child bearing. In the society today, young couples prefer to cohabit more than straight entry into marriage. Cohabitation has been favored by the dynamic Cultural Revolution that has watered down traditional religious values such as “living in sin.” For instance, American values have entirely shifted from being in favor of self-sacrifice and family commitment to favoring individual growth, self-fulfillment, personal freedom and less specialized gender roles (Hamplova, 35). Thereby, most people see cohabiting as an intermediate phase before settling in marriage.
The latter half of 20th century has been marked by one of the most significant changes in family life. This concerns how marriage has take a backseat to heterosexual cohabitation which has become the norm. Despite being widely agreed that there is no slight possibility of cohabitation replacing marriage, traditional family values such as raising children have been ruined. Research confirms that children born to unmarried couples are more likely to experience separation of parents than children born to married couples. Undoubtedly, views concerning marriage in today’s contemporary society are changing towards premarital sex no wander incidences of divorce and having children out of wedlock have increased tremendously. Nevertheless, many still hold on to hope of finally ending up in marriage (Clopp, 24).
Cohabitation relationships are like small foxes that are damaging the vine without being noticed. This makes it just a short-lived moment of pleasure whose results can be so detrimental to the duo. Indisputably, it is a shortcut which is known to be dangerous way. The society is fast becoming unstable due to the notions held by young adults. Most of the young adults look for more of friendship relationship while seeking for a life partner rather than a romantic relationship. This implies that romances end up suffering from power asymmetries and heightened emotionality while friendships are characterized and settled by balanced reciprocity. Statistics reveal that half of all cohabitations are due to last only a year or even less while only 1/6 last take at least three years while 1/10 more than five years (Hamplova, 27). These figures send a clear warning that cohabitation does not build society rather it deprives it of its morals. Additionally, cohabitation diverts the focus of the couples as it sets them up only for a domestic relationship which is not defined as legal relationship. As a result, the couple may delay formalizing their relationships and in event of death, children may experience hardship as well as
In conclusion, cohabitation can be acceptable for couples who are serious about getting married for example, set the wedding date and made other marriage preparations. Such couples may find cohabitation necessary for the sake of having partial knowledge of one another before starting a life together. Generally, for the sake of social and moral welfare of the society, cohabiting need to be avoided as much as a viral disease.
Works Cited
Clopp, John. Sociological Perspective of Cohabitation. New Jersey: John Hopkins Inc., 2011.
Hamplova, Dana. Marriage and Cohabitation. New York: Prentice Hall, 2009.
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