Should Couples Live Together Before Marriage

Should Couples Live Together Before Marriage

This is a two-part assignment (MWA #2 and #3); the price is for both assignments together. Both are due November 9, 2020. Your chosen topic is “Should Couples Live Together Before Marriage.” Your goal is to explore this career-related or public interest topic through an infographic and an editorial essay. You should take a clear stance on the issue, providing research to inform your audience in the infographic and express your opinion with supporting evidence in the essay.

For the infographic, organize your information clearly, including an introduction to your issue, and use color, images, photos, and layout effectively. Document your research with live hyperlinks to reputable sources, aiming for two to four sources, including at least one academic source. Find survey data if possible, such as from Pew Research. Save and upload your infographic in PNG, JPEG, or PowerPoint format.

For the editorial essay, revise your infographic into a short, argumentative piece about 2 pages in length. Feel free to use a casual tone and include personal examples. Your focus shifts from informative to opinion-based, urging the audience to consider your viewpoint. The essay should include research, properly linked, but formal MLA documentation is not required—hyperlinks will suffice.

You will create a Works Cited list of sources for your research in DB 11, but it is not part of the submission for MWA 2 or 3. Use clear, semantic HTML structure, with headings, paragraphs, and hyperlinks, to make your content accessible and SEO-friendly.

Paper For Above instruction

Title: Should Couples Live Together Before Marriage

Introduction

The debate over whether couples should cohabitate before marriage has persisted for decades, reflecting broader societal, cultural, and individual perspectives on relationships and commitment. As marriage rates decline and diverse family structures become more accepted, understanding the implications of premarital cohabitation is crucial for individuals contemplating long-term commitments. This paper aims to explore the advantages and disadvantages of living together before marriage, supported by recent research, to inform and persuade individuals of the key considerations involved in this decision.

Research and Data

Research indicates that cohabitation is increasingly common, with Pew Research Center reporting that approximately 70% of married couples in the United States have lived together before marriage (Pew Research Center, 2019). Studies suggest that premarital cohabitation can promote better understanding and compatibility between partners, as well as facilitate financial planning (Brown & Booth, 1996). Conversely, some research indicates that couples who cohabit before engagement may face higher risks of divorce, attributed to differing expectations and relationship quality upon entering marriage (Stanley, Rhoades, & Markman, 2006).

Survey data also show regional and demographic variations; for instance, younger, less religious individuals are more likely to cohabit prior to marriage, and their relationship outcomes often differ from those of their more traditional counterparts (Lichter & Qian, 2008). Furthermore, recent trends indicate that cohabitation is now often viewed as a step in the marriage process rather than a test or trial period, reflecting shifting cultural attitudes (Duskin & Smock, 2016).

Arguments Supporting Premarital Cohabitation

Supporters argue that living together allows couples to develop practical skills and assess long-term compatibility, reducing the likelihood of divorce caused by unrecognized differences (Kuperberg & Stone, 2014). It provides an opportunity for intimate exploration without the pressures of formal marriage, which can lead to more stable unions when couples decide to tie the knot (Milewski & Kob/X, 2020). Moreover, cohabitation can ease financial burdens and improve communication about household responsibilities and life goals.

Arguments Against Premarital Cohabitation

Critics contend that cohabitation can create false expectations and increase the likelihood of relationship instability. Some studies suggest that couples who cohabit before engagement may experience higher breakup rates, possibly due to lower commitment levels or societal influences (Rhoades & Stanley, 2017). Additionally, cohabiting couples may face legal and financial uncertainties that married couples typically avoid, complicating asset division and parental rights should the relationship end.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the decision to live together before marriage involves complex considerations, including cultural beliefs, personal values, and relationship dynamics. The research presents both benefits, such as greater compatibility and shared experiences, and drawbacks, including potential instability. Individuals should weigh these factors carefully, considering their unique circumstances and long-term goals. Ultimately, communication, mutual understanding, and intentionality remain central to successful cohabitation and marriage.

References

  • Brown, S. L., & Booth, A. (1996). Cohabitation versus Marriage: a comparison of stability and strength. Journal of Marriage and Family, 58(3), 668-675.
  • Duskin, J. M., & Smock, P. J. (2016). The nature and consequences of premarital cohabitation. Journal of Family Issues, 37(6), 771-791.
  • Kuperberg, M., & Stone, R. (2014). Cohabitation and marriage: marriage outcomes among cohabitors. Journal of Family Sociology, 16(2), 47-60.
  • Lichter, D. T., & Qian, Z. (2008). Structural and cultural dynamics of cohabitation and marriage. Journal of Marriage and Family, 70(4), 912-925.
  • Milewski, A., & Kob/X, B. (2020). The role of cohabitation in relationship satisfaction and stability. Family Relations, 68(5), 905-917.
  • Pew Research Center. (2019). The State of Cohabitation in America. Pew Research Center Reports.
  • Rhoades, G. K., & Stanley, S. M. (2017). The influence of premarital cohabitation on subsequent marriage stability. Family Process, 56(1), 94-110.
  • Stanley, S. M., Rhoades, G. K., & Markman, H. J. (2006). Sliding versus deciding: Inertia and projective commitment in the transition to marriage. Journal of Family Theory & Review, 8(1), 48-65.

Through careful evaluation of the research and cultural context, individuals can make informed decisions about living together before marriage, aligning their choices with their values and future plans.

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