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Lesson 8 - Marrieds and Non-Marrieds

Robert Wonser

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Myths of Singlehood

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Demographics

Increase in never-married adults:2003, 24.4% of U.S. adults 18 yrs+2006, 73% of ♂ 20-29 yrs2006, 62% of ♀ 20-29 yrs

Never-married by Race/Ethnicity (2003 Census bureau)38.9% of African American (over 1/3)30.9% of Hispanics (less than 1/3)22.2% of Whites (less than ¼)

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Marital Status of U.S. 2003Marital Status of U.S. 2003

Blacks are almost as likely to be never married as married

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Same-Sex Marriage

As of January 2013, nine states—Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont, and Washington—as well as the District of Columbia and two Native American tribes—have legalized same-sex marriage.

In addition, Rhode Island recognizes same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions, and California, which briefly granted same-sex marriages in 2008, now recognizes them on a conditional basis.

While several jurisdictions have legalized same-sex marriage through court rulings, legislative action, and popular vote, nine states prohibit same-sex marriage by statute and 30 prohibit it in their constitutions. The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), enacted in 1996, prevents the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages and allows each state to refuse recognition of same-sex marriages performed in other states. The provision of DOMA forbidding the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages has been found unconstitutional in eight federal courts, including two federal appeals courts. Five of these cases are pending review by the Supreme Court.

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Sociodemographics of Never-Marrieds

Age – 73% are under 34 yrs old

Race – Whites less satisfied with being single

Sex – Women healthier than men

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Ages of Never MarriedsAges of Never Marrieds

By age 75, almost everyone has married at least onceBy age 75, almost everyone has married at least once

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What are the Advantages of Being Single?

Opportunities for self-development and personal growth

Opportunities to meet different people and have a variety of friendships

Economic independence Varied sexual experience Freedom to control own life Opportunities for career change

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What are the Disadvantages of Being Single?

Loneliness Economic hardship Feeling out of place in social

gatherings Sexual frustration Lack of children or lack of family in

which to bring up children

11Introduction to Sociology: Life at

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2010: 45% of 25 to 35 year olds are married

2000: 55% 1960: 80% Why:

Education Cohabitation All Things C

onsidered

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Trends in American Families

About 8% of all households are occupied by couples who are cohabitating (living together as a romantically involved, unmarried couple).

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Number of Cohabitating Couples

As sociologists, it is our job to understand why the number of people cohabitating has increased so much over the last few decades.

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Why Cohabit?

Cannot be understood apart from the social context (remember your Sociological Imagination!)1960s, the pill, second wave feminism, civil rights

Why would people choose cohabitation?Finances

Does the economy have any bearing here?ConvenienceHousing needs Do you suppose that the reason for cohabitation effects the outcome of cohabitation?

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Negative Effects of Cohabitation on Marriage?

Contrary to what we might expect, divorce rate among those who cohabited before getting married is higher than those who have not. Why would this be?Not believers in marriage in the first place?More committed to autonomy than to marriage?

Focus on individual need fulfillment No evidence that cohabitation weeds out

incompatible couples and prepares people for successful marriages

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Negative Effects on Marriage

A crucial component of success of the relationship (true whether it remains cohabitating or progresses to marriage): communication of intention from both partners.

For marriage specifically: if cohabitation was a precursor to marriage for both participants. Many people choose to cohabit after they have made plans to marry (approx 46%) are seen as prenuptial and don’t negatively effect future marriage

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Who Cohabitates?

Between 50-60% of new marriages now involve couples who have lived together first

Typical cohabitating couple:Between 25-34 years oldTransition to cohabitation occurred rapidly (within 6 months) with plans for a future not having been discussed

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What makes the U.S. different?

Strong emphasis on individualism (particularly expressive individualism – emphasis on personal satisfaction, self-expression and personal growth)

As a result, more short-term, fragile cohabiting relationships

In short, Americans partner up frequently, for shorter amounts of time, and repeat

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Bringing it All Together: Cohabitation

Changes in society affect the shape our families take (as they do for all institutions)

Our “individual” decision to cohabit is a product of social forces that have begun decades prior and continue today.

Social forces (beyond mere personal troubles) direct us towards cohabitation.

20Introduction to Sociology: Life at

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Cohabitation in the United States

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Applying Theory

Social Exchange TheorySocial Exchange TheoryHow can our discussion of advantages and How can our discussion of advantages and disadvantages be framed with SET?disadvantages be framed with SET?

What other theory can you use?What other theory can you use?

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Categories of Singles

1.1. Voluntary Voluntary temporary temporary

2.2. Voluntary stable Voluntary stable (permanent)(permanent)

3.Involuntary temporary 3.Involuntary temporary

4.Involuntary stable 4.Involuntary stable (permanent) (permanent)

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Indicators of marital readiness

Age and MaturityTiming of marriageMotivesSexual exclusivenessEmotional emancipation from parentsEducation and vocation

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Singlehood Mobile Debate

Singlehood should be the preferred choice for people under age 30

The legal marriage age should be raised in the United States