FRHD 1020 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Social Exchange Theory, Monogamy, Assortative Mating

• School: University of Guelph
• Department: Family Relations and Human Development
• Course: FRHD 1020
• Professor: Ruth Neustifter

Document Summary

Increased opportunities to form intimate relationships outside kinship structure. Marriage would be next step, but not in the 21st century. Rise of non-marital cohabitation has been one of the most important trends in the study of the life course of the family. Moved from being viewed as deviant form of union formation to the preferred social norm that precedes marriage. Criteria varies for common law marriage but could include. Gain privilege and status over other forms of union formation. Change in establishment of unions is linked with other social changes. Marriage has historically been an institution formed out of economic necessity. Women relied on men to provide protection and provisions for themselves and their children. Men relied on women for child care and meal preparation. Children were economic assets who provided additional labour to meet household needs. Increased freedom and autonomy from parental monitoring that makes courtship and sexual exploration easier.