Sociological Theories

Mireya Orta 03/20/2011

Soc. 40(1) – PhD. Gibbs

Winter 2011

TAKE HOME FINAL EXAM

Sociological Terms & Concepts:

Cohabitation: The act of unmarried couples living together, usually considered a temporary state until couples could marry and therefore others in the community usually treat them as a married couple. (Seccombe pg. 227)

Repartnering: Generally finding a new partner. Considered a “new beginning” usually after divorce. Also viewed as an extension of serious dating or an alternative to marriage altogether. (Seccombe pg. 461)

According to our text, cohabitation has existed for hundreds of years amongst all ages, races, and ethnic groups, and also amongst all social classes. It seems that cohabitation is far more widespread in the United States than ever before. Apparently along with the changing trend is a greater acceptance of cohabitation than ever before, particularly in women (pg. 228). Cohabitation could also be seen as form of keeping your independence and possibly testing out your relationship. According to research, cohabitation has become nearly institutionalized (pg.229). Cohabitation has also become increasingly common among previously married adults. Research shows that repartnering adults are also choosing to cohabite (pg. 462). In fact, cohabitation seems to occur quite rapidly after the relationship begins, opposed to the first marriage when couple dated for a long time before committing to marriage. Why is the second union more rapid? Many factors contribute to this quick thinking. For example, couples know what they are looking for in a partner, have leaned from their previous mistakes, or are better judges of characters. It could also be that the nature of commitment at the time of cohabitation is what’s important. Some individuals may also choose cohabitation because they see their relationships as being more private and less controlled by social policies and therefore not legally binding, easier to...