Co-Habitiation

 Reminders:  Mid-Terms Thursday (Period 1) and Monday (Period 3)!  Today’s Class Objectives:  Look at the concept of Cohabitation Advantages Disadvantages Considerations

 Traditional Roles in Marriage  Male  Female  Past vs. Present  Changing Roles in Marriage  Current trends  5 Types of Marriage  1. Conflict-Habituated  2. Devitalized  3. Passive-Congenial  4. Vital  5. Total

 The term cohabitation is used to describe non-marital living arrangements.  Also referred to as: living together, common-law, trial marriage).  75% of all those who live together break-up.

 Ninety percent of people “living together” regard it as a temporary situation.  The emotional impact of breaking up in a “living together” arrangement is the same as divorce.

 1. Avoidance of the problems of marriage.  2. Freedom to end the relationship without legal hassles (for a while).  3. Avoid the costs and stress associated with marriage.

 1. Guilt: Religious/societal reasons – family and friends may disapprove.  2. Loss of other relationships (limits on dating, other friendships).  3. Different expectations – one couple expects to marry, one does not. Who does what?  4. Children are illegitimate.

 5. Legal issues: Breaking up:  When a partner passes away  Involved in accidents  Who gets what?  6. No security  If situation changes there is no commitment to hold them together:  Job Change  Unemployment  8. Little long range financial stability

Reasons for Cohabitation  1. We want/need to focus on a career or business endeavor rather than personal life.  2. Witnessing the divorce of another couple/parents, friends, etc… hesitant to commit to marriage.  3. Financial benefits from sharing.

Problems of Cohabitating Couples  Similar to those of newly married couples’.  1. Sexual adjustment  2. Conflicts over who does the housework.  3. Working out problems in dealing with both families.

Problems Unique to Cohabiting Couples…  1. Guilt feelings because of non-traditional lifestyle which relatives and friends may not accept.  2. Difficulty in maintaining other relationships.  3. Less commitment and less liability to be open with each other for fear of breaking up the partnership.  4. Less attempt to settle major problems.  5. Different expectations of the partners.

 Any questions?  What did we learn?  Next Class…