Question

Early adulthood is an important stage in our development. As we transition into adult life, many challenges await us. For many of us, this is the time that we begin the search for lasting relationships, including our potential marriage partner. However, there is some debate over whether or not emerging adults are ready for such a long-term commitment.

Read https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/11/divorce-cohabitation-stud_n_4936928.html . For decades the research on cohabitating has been dismal, but recent studies paint a different picture. The author of this article states that “[t]he problem is that the couples are settling down at an earlier age, and settling down too young is what leads to divorce.” Do you agree?

Now that you’ve had a chance to read about the potential long-term effects of cohabitating, reflect on pros and cons before completing the discussion that follows.

Respond to each of the following prompts:

1. Explain your position on cohabitation before marriage (either for or against) during early adulthood.

2. Defend your position with information about the social development and maturity of this age group.

3. Would your position change if the cohabitants were in their 60’s? Explain.

Make sure to back up your position with facts from your own research on cohabitation. You may also use anecdotal examples from your own life experience, but make sure to focus mostly on current research and facts. Cite any outside sources used.

Answer 1

1. I am against the idea of cohabitation before marriage. I firmly believe that it is against our moral ethics. I am against Cohabitation because it is immoral. Apart from this there are certain other reasons why I am against cohabitation. These are

• According to research cohabitation is correlated with greater likelihood of unhappiness and domestic violence in the relationship.
• Cohabiting couples report lower level of satisfaction in the relationship than married couples.
• Women are more likely to be abused by cohabiting boyfriends than husbands.
• There is no commitment
• Cohabitation puts the emphasis on wrong things