Psychology 2035A/B Chapter 10: Psychology 2035- Marriage and Intimate Relationships- Chapter 10

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 2035A/B
• Professor: Doug Hazlewood

Document Summary

Marriage; legally and socially sanctioned union of sexually intimate adults. Economic interdependence, common residence, sexual fidelity, shared responsibility for children (the traditional relationship) Shifting social trends now\; shaking up traditional roles: increased acceptance of singlehood. Longer postponement of marriage o: median age increasing o, negative stereotype of remaining single is evaporating. 2005- median age of first marriage 25. 8 women, 27. 1 men: increased acceptance of cohabitation. Living together in a sexually intimate relationship without the legal bonds of marriage. Prevalence of cohabitation increased dramatically o: negative attitudes towards it have declined o, married couples are a minority for the first time o, cohabiting relationships increasingly involve marriage. 49. 7 % of households- married: reduces premium on permanence o. Increasing number of people regard divorce as justifiable if marriage fails to foster their interests. Social stigma associated with divorce has lessened o: divorce rates have climbed o.