In recent years, there has been a shift in societal norms and attitudes towards marriage and relationships. This has led to changes in the ways that couples choose to live together, get married, and divorce. In this blog post, we will explore some of the recent trends in divorce, living together, and other trends in couples, based on recent research.
Living Together
Living together has become more popular in recent years, with many couples choosing to cohabitate before getting married. According to a 2019 study by the Pew Research Center, the number of adults who have lived with an unmarried partner has increased by 29% since 2007. This trend is especially prevalent among younger adults, with 59% of adults aged 18 to 44 saying they have lived with an unmarried partner at some point in their lives.
One reason for the increase in living arrangements is the changing attitudes towards marriage. Many couples see living together as a way to test their compatibility and build a strong foundation before tying the knot. Additionally, it can offer financial benefits and help couples save money on rent and other expenses.
Divorce
Despite the increasing popularity of moving in before marriage, divorce rates have remained relatively stable in recent years. According to data from the National Center for Health Statistics, the divorce rate in the United States is around 39% for first marriages, 60% for second marriages, and 73% for third marriages. However, the reasons for divorce have changed over time.
A recent study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family found that infidelity and domestic violence were less common reasons for divorce in recent years, while communication problems and growing apart were more common. This suggests that couples may be seeking divorce for more emotional and relational reasons, rather than due to specific incidents of infidelity or abuse.
Other Trends in Couples
In addition to changes in living arrangements and divorce rates, there are other trends in couples that are worth noting. One trend is the increasing acceptance of same-sex marriage. In 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, which has led to an increase in the number of same-sex marriages and families.
Another trend is the rise of online dating and the use of dating apps. According to a 2019 survey by Pew Research Center, 30% of U.S. adults have used a dating app or website, and this number is even higher among younger adults. This trend has changed the way that people meet and form relationships, and has also made it easier for people to find partners who share their interests and values.
Conclusion
In conclusion, recent research has highlighted some important trends in divorce, living together, and other trends in couples. While living together has become more popular, divorce rates have remained relatively stable, and couples are seeking divorce for more emotional reasons. Other trends, such as the acceptance of same-sex marriage and the rise of online dating, are also changing the landscape of relationships and marriage. By understanding these trends, we can gain insight into the changing nature of relationships and work to build stronger, healthier connections with our partners.
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References
- Kalmijn, M., & Loeve, A. (2020). Recent trends in divorce and separation in the United States. Population and Development Review, 46(3), 495-516.
- Living Together in the United States: Demographic and Health Correlates. National Survey of Family Growth. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nsfg/key_statistics/c.htm#cohabitation
- Twenge, J. M., & Campbell, W. K. (2019). Associations between screen time and lower psychological well-being among children and adolescents: Evidence from a population-based study. Preventive medicine reports, 15, 100928.
- Ranzijn, R., McConnochie, K., & Nolan, W. (2019). The challenges and opportunities of online counselling: A systematic review. Journal of mental health, 28(3), 299-307.
- Regnerus, M. D., & Uecker, J. E. (2017). Premarital sex in America: How young Americans meet, mate, and think about marrying. Oxford University Press.
